What might be my kiss-of-death and how can I avoid it if I have to try again?

[xblurr]

It's 2:00 in the morning and I'm having a mild meltdown so I could really use some advice (either encouragement or just laying it on me straight).


This is my first time posting, although this should have been down a long, long time ago.


Here is my brief (maybe?) bio:


---Non-Traditional Applicant
---3.78 GPA in B.S. Biochemistry (SUNY school); 33Q MCAT
---Taught math in a middle school for 1 year after college,
---THEN took 2 years to get masters in education (3.5 GPA)
---Currently finishing up another masters degree but in biochemistry
---My extra curricular stuff aren't so hot: years ago (in undergrad) did some volunteer work at the hospital (not substantial, but my hours are not zero, a couple of weekends here and there); Also volunteered again at the start of my 2nd masters (3.5 GPA) (hours here and there, but still not much); Also during the past two years, I volunteered in the weekends to teach Sunday School at my local church (I know it's not medical related, but it kept me in contact with people). I'm also getting some work done in some professor's lab as part of my masters (didn't do anything of the sort as an undergraduate years ago).
---My LOR's from graduate school are so-so, though there is one professor who really liked me (that's 1 out of 3 letters; then there's the lady who ran the sunday school program who also probably wrote highly of me)


From my judgement, my GPA/MCAT are average-to-okay but EC's need work. But it's just really Late.


In your best estimates, what are my chances of getting an acceptance given the fact that my primary application may not get in until late, late November? I'm planning on applying to 5 or 6 schools: (Should I go broader? But what about it being late?)


Also, I've heard that personal statements can make or break this type of application late in the cycle.


My BIGGEST question, though is what should I do if I get no acceptance at all?
I still really want to become a doctor. I majored in biochemistry because I found it interesting and the masters was so that I could get more lab experience. I like to think of that as being my back-up plan in life: working in a lab either in research or just being immersed in biochemistry. (Also, I thought it would help me with applying to medical school) However, biochemistry is the back-up. While working as a teacher, though I still had inklings or desire to become a physician, my desire to work with people/help them was reinforced (it was a “high needs” school and I left because I didn't feel like I was helping them (re: I was a bad teacher).


I would definitely apply again next year (but way, way earlier e.g. June) and it wouldn't be a problem since I'd already have my transcripts/letters on file (or would I have to do that again on AMCAS). But what would I do in the mean time (financially and improving my chances at the same time)? The economy has been sucky ever since I left my teaching position years ago so this is going to be a balancing act (I feel like I've been stuck in purgatory/limbo for years after college where heaven is being a doctor and hell is not even getting a job).


Too long; didn't read:


1-Advice/evaluation for my late cycle application?
2-If I don't get it in (likely), how should I go about applying again while searching for a job?

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[Catalystik]

A number of schools have mid-October deadlines. Did you check to be sure your target schools have later deadlines? Submitting as late as you suggest would have serious negative consequences for your chances. Why so late?

Exactly how many clinical experience hours are we talking overall? Any shadowing?

LORs have to be resent, along with new transcripts, each application season.

 

[xblurr]

A number of schools have mid-October deadlines. Did you check to be sure your target schools have later deadlines? Submitting as late as you suggest would have serious negative consequences for your chances. Why so late?

Exactly how many clinical experience hours are we talking overall? Any shadowing?

LORs have to be resent, along with new transcripts, each application season.

Thanks for replying.

I believe 2 years ago I did 50 hours one Spring, so I would say, in total maybe 90 hours (definitely not much). Of course, I'm not counting any volunteer work from high school. No shadowing.

My most recent LORs were written February 2010 (2 from the professors), one from Spring 2009, while the sunday school director from Spring 2010.

I had been focusing on doing well on my first MCAT (late August) and it definitely slipped my mind that I should have had AMCAS on file over the summer. (My reasoning was that they would have to wait for MCATs so I didn't have to worry).

Again, my main issue is that I would have to wait another year (It's really been a long time coming). What would I do in the mean time? I'd still wait though if applying early really improved my chances.

 

[Catalystik]

Again, my main issue is that I would have to wait another year (It's really been a long time coming). What would I do in the mean time? I'd still wait though if applying early really improved my chances.

Why can't you submit your Primary application tomorrow (or in one week)? Why late November? It has historically taken 5 weeks to verifiy transcripts at this time of year, though this year seems to be going a tad faster. By late November it has taken 6 weeks, by which time few interview spots will be left available. Is it impossible that you'd get an acceptance? No, it isn't, but it would likely be at a schools less selective than the niche you belong in, a fact that is ultimately completely unimportant (IMO) but which influences some applicants. And possibly after a long stressful time in waitlist purgatory. If your stats weren't better than average, I'd discourage this, but the fact is you do have a chance if you can get your application in soon.

So, your application weaknesses are low amount of clinical experience, but not as bad as I'd feared, and zero shadowing. Is there any reason you couldn't look for a 4 hour per week gig in a clinical milieu THIS week and start some volunteering? Is there any reason you can't spend, say, 40 hours shadowing docs over winter break and 20-40 more over spring break? These ammendments to your application would need to be communicated to schools intermittently through the cycle in the hopes of influencing adcomms to consider you. If it doesn't work, your application in June 2011 would be stronger for the augmentations.

What to do if you need to reapply and have to look for a job? Honestly, it doesn't matter what job you take, as long as you continue gaining clinical experience for 4 hours a week and adding nonmedical community service hours.

So you might get a job as a research tech, or in an entry-level healthcare position. But it's equally fine to work as a waitperson, construction worker, office assistant, or substitute teacher, provided you maintain those two volunteer gigs as mentioned. But you'd want a job flexible enough to accomodate med school interviews which are generally on week days.

 

[xblurr]

Why can't you submit your Primary application tomorrow (or in one week)? Why late November?

So, your application weaknesses are low amount of clinical experience, but not as bad as I'd feared, and zero shadowing. Is there any reason you couldn't look for a 4 hour per week gig in a clinical milieu THIS week and start some volunteering? Is there any reason you can't spend, say, 40 hours shadowing docs over winter break and 20-40 more over spring break? These ammendments to your application would need to be communicated to schools intermittently through the cycle in the hopes of influencing adcomms to consider you. If it doesn't work, your application in June 2011 would be stronger for the augmentations.

What to do if you need to reapply and have to look for a job? Honestly, it doesn't matter what job you take, as long as you continue gaining clinical experience for 4 hours a week and adding nonmedical community service hours.

The thing is, I just recently asked my institutions to send my transcripts to AMCAS, so there's that delay in the mail and then I have to wait for verification. I'm not too selective on what schools I want to get into, but I just don't want to end up with zero interviews such late in the cycle. My thinking is that applying next cycle (June 2011) would put me in a better position.

Also, wouldn't getting more clinical experience this late reflect poorly in either application?

My concern, in addition to finding work while applying in the 2011 cycle, would be whether schools would see this unemployment as a gap (e.g. if I graduate this masters program this fall/winter 2010 and I send in applications at the start of the 2011 season).

Thanks again for your reply.

 

[Catalystik]

1) My thinking is that applying next cycle (June 2011) would put me in a better position.

2) Also, wouldn't getting more clinical experience this late reflect poorly in either application?

3) My concern, in addition to finding work while applying in the 2011 cycle, would be whether schools would see this unemployment as a gap (e.g. if I graduate this masters program this fall/winter 2010 and I send in applications at the start of the 2011 season).

1) Waiting would make your chances greater. But how long can it take for your transcripts to arrive? You have to decide which way to jump. We'll help with whatever you decide.

2) Not so much, since you already have some. Moreso, though, if you apply now, rather than in June. I think adcomms like to see that you've tested the vocation of medicine over a prolonged period of time. Your ECs reflect that since you did some clinical volunteering long ago.

3) A lot of people are having trouble finding work right now. If you aren't working, you might take on a greater intensity of community service to show how you're staying busy. (Hint meant to be humorous: living in your parent's basement and playing video games all day is not a good way to stay busy, even if you become a squadron leader in WOW and rise to level 46.)

 

[xblurr]

1) Waiting would make your chances greater. But how long can it take for your transcripts to arrive? You have to decide which way to jump. We'll help with whatever you decide.

2) Not so much, since you already have some. Moreso, though, if you apply now, rather than in June. I think adcomms like to see that you've tested the vocation of medicine over a prolonged period of time. Your ECs reflect that since you did some clinical volunteering long ago.

3) A lot of people are having trouble finding work right now. If you aren't working, you might take on a greater intensity of community service to show how you're staying busy. (Hint meant to be humorous: living in your parent's basement and playing video games all day is not a good way to stay busy, even if you become a squadron leader in WOW and rise to level 46.)

About number 3, I needed that laugh. Though, It kind of stings for the grain of truth 🙂

4- I was thinking, in the keeping busy part: would spending my time in the lab I'm in be helpful in that it is seen as keeping busy. (I'm thinking that after I graduate this semester, I would stay in my professor's lab just to get more experience for future jobs just in case this "gap" before medical school lasts for a bit.

5- Also, just to be clear. Returning to more clinical experience this fall/next spring would look better for applying next cycle rather than late in this cycle? Or could I just use this to keep me busy in addition to "working" in my professor's lab? I just don't want to seem like I'm padding my resume to schools: I just don't want to fix an upcoming gap in the future.

 

[Catalystik]

4- I was thinking, in the keeping busy part: would spending my time in the lab I'm in be helpful in that it is seen as keeping busy. (I'm thinking that after I graduate this semester, I would stay in my professor's lab just to get more experience for future jobs just in case this "gap" before medical school lasts for a bit.

5- Also, just to be clear. Returning to more clinical experience this fall/next spring would look better for applying next cycle rather than late in this cycle? Or could I just use this to keep me busy in addition to "working" in my professor's lab? I just don't want to seem like I'm padding my resume to schools: I just don't want to fix an upcoming gap in the future.

4) Remaining with the lab would be fine, too. As would a combo of lab plus part-time work.

5) It could also help for this cycle, even if it isn't on the Primary application and you must communicate it through update letters or in interview conversations. It would certainly help for the next cycle. Whether you work or volunteer in the lab (or become a highly ranked WOW warrior), I recommend the clinical volunteering, shadowing, and nonmedical community service.