What if I don't get in next year?

[medhearter]

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[BlueElmo]

Apply again the next cycle. Then again the next cycle if you fail for 2nd time.
After that, if you still fail, find another profession.

 

[binko]

Where's that Indiana Jones clip when you need it?

 

[Pedsbro]

What if I don't get in next year?

I know you all are saying my app is decent (3.5/34Q/research/volunteering/vision) and I should just apply early.

But what if its not? Especially as an international. What if round 2 yields the same results?

Having a neurotic moment,
medhearter

Well, since you just posted something about SMPs, I would imagine you're considering that route if you don't get in. A 3.5 is one of those weird GPA's where it is hard to judge if an SMP (the cost and the time) would be worth it or not. Your MCAT is fine, don't touch that. Maybe a post-bac if you think it's your GPA keeping you out.

 

[Green Grass]

Find a job that suits you for awhile and that you enjoy. If you want to apply a few years later, go for it. Don't give up the dream just because some grumpy admissions people didn't choose you that round. The admissions process is a complete crapshoot, so don't give up hope.

 

[235009]

lemme try to cut through all the koom ba ya "the process is a crapshoot" SDN BS...the basic cookiecutter "everyone's a winner" answer doesn't apply here....

you are an international student...if you weren't you would have gotten in...but the way the process is set up HEAVILY favors americans (some schools only take one or two internationals). it's not your fault, it doesn't mean you aren't good enough but it does mean that you should be realistic. you should probably seriously consider another career and work to make that happen. i'm not saying you should give up on med school now...by all means apply again but at the same time either consider going to med school in another country (not the caribbean, prefereably your home country) with the realization that it probably means you can't practice in the US or work to build an alternative career.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Well, since you just posted something about SMPs, I would imagine you're considering that route if you don't get in. A 3.5 is one of those weird GPA's where it is hard to judge if an SMP (the cost and the time) would be worth it or not. Your MCAT is fine, don't touch that. Maybe a post-bac if you think it's your GPA keeping you out.

I completely disagree. There's not a chance in hell I'd even think about doing a SMP with a 3.5. That's plenty high enough to be competitive, especially when coupled with a 34. Doing a post-bac is a waste of time, too. OP, if you're really that worried about getting in, throw in some of more renowned DO schools with your application. I seriously doubt you'll go without an acceptance, but if you want that safety net, go for it.

 

[BlueElmo]

I completely disagree. There's not a chance in hell I'd even think about doing a SMP with a 3.5. That's plenty high enough to be competitive, especially when coupled with a 34. Doing a post-bac is a waste of time, too. OP, if you're really that worried about getting in, throw in some of more renowned DO schools with your application. I seriously doubt you'll go without an acceptance, but if you want that safety net, go for it.

But the OP is an international.

 

[MilkmanAl]

What's your point? That DO isn't a viable option if he doesn't want to stay here?

 

[witness23]

isn't residency/citizenship policy lax for canadians. maybe a job in the US is the best answer, apply as an american. i, am, american.

 

[Pedsbro]

What's your point? That DO isn't a viable option if he doesn't want to stay here?

Probably that international students have a hard enough time getting into US schools with a stellar GPA and a 3.5 isn't exactly stellar by med school standards. Which was why I suggested getting the GPA up...

 

[sixlet]

How many schools did you apply to?

 

[MilkmanAl]

Probably that international students have a hard enough time getting into US schools with a stellar GPA and a 3.5 isn't exactly stellar by med school standards. Which was why I suggested getting the GPA up...

This is true, but a 3.5 is pretty tough to bring up if you already have all the credits you need under your belt. Maybe if his BCPM is low, he could take some science courses, but the GPA is probably staying where it is.

 

[slick27]

Go back and get a second major in a foreign language or something. that will raise your GPA, and make you more marketable. I don't know what your native language is.

 

[NotAndrew]

Go back and get a second major in a foreign language or something. that will raise your GPA, and make you more marketable. I don't know what your native language is.

I completely disagree with this. If you have a 3.5 after one undergrad degree it will take you 3-4 years of a 4.0 GPA to really make a difference. Completing another undergrad with a 4.0 will still only bring you to a 3.75, it's not worth it.

 

[slick27]

i think raising to a 3.6 might make all the difference in the world. Since most schools average 3.7

 

[NotAndrew]

i think raising to a 3.6 might make all the difference in the world. Since most schools average 3.7

I agree, if you could raise your GPA to a 3.6 in 6 months or so. However it will take you about a year or two, plus it will be expensive.

 

[binko]

I completely disagree with this. If you have a 3.5 after one undergrad degree it will take you 3-4 years of a 4.0 GPA to really make a difference. Completing another undergrad with a 4.0 will still only bring you to a 3.75, it's not worth it.

It depends on how many of the credits were counted in the GPA. I studied abroad in undergrad and every credit I earned that year was just counted as pass/fail because the two university systems were so different. If the OP is in a similar situation then a year of 4.0 could raise their GPA an entire point.

 

[BlueElmo]

i think raising to a 3.6 might make all the difference in the world. Since most schools average 3.7

Would the difference between 3.5 and 3.6 be that huge?

 

[binko]

Would the difference between 3.5 and 3.6 be that huge?

I don't know.

 

[slick27]

Some schools like SLU have certain GPA and MCAT cuttoffs and you're pretty much in. I know they like at least 30 mcat and high gpa's. Since they average 3.7's I think a 3.5 might be too low for them to look at you.

 

[witness23]

shes on the waitlist at slu man

 

[slick27]

shes on the waitlist at slu man

then she should reapply early next year there and do something productive in the mean time. I think their admissions is pretty straight forward. Acceptances till the class is full, then waitlist.

 

[witness23]

if she takes courses, she should take them at a US institution right?

 

[HPSPpayissues]

apply to Wayne State and some SUNY schools. They are friendly to Canadians.

 

[chiz2kul]

lemme try to cut through all the koom ba ya "the process is a crapshoot" SDN BS...the basic cookiecutter "everyone's a winner" answer doesn't apply here....

you are an international student...if you weren't you would have gotten in...but the way the process is set up HEAVILY favors americans (some schools only take one or two internationals). it's not your fault, it doesn't mean you aren't good enough but it does mean that you should be realistic. you should probably seriously consider another career and work to make that happen. i'm not saying you should give up on med school now...by all means apply again but at the same time either consider going to med school in another country (not the caribbean, prefereably your home country) with the realization that it probably means you can't practice in the US or work to build an alternative career.

Comments like this make me go 😱. Pls dont ever be an international student advisor.

 

[NotAndrew]

Some schools like SLU have certain GPA and MCAT cuttoffs and you're pretty much in. I know they like at least 30 mcat and high gpa's. Since they average 3.7's I think a 3.5 might be too low for them to look at you.

What? A 3.5 is not keeping you out of anywhere, being international works against you far more than a 3.5.

 

[235009]

Comments like this make me go 😱. Pls dont ever be an international student advisor.

what was so 😱 about my comment? i know several international students who have been unable to get into a US school with decent stats. i'm just pointing out that it's important to be realistic.

don't worry about me becoming an international student adviser (whatever that is)....seems like i'm going to become a doctor instead 🙄

 

[medhearter]

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[amikhchi]

3rd times a charm? that's what I'm hoping for 🙂