What should I do with my re-application year...double major or MA?

[Star2008]

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Hey guys,

I want to stay in school while I reapply this year. Do you think it'll be better for me to add second major in Neuroscience or pursue a postbacc program or something else academic? Or should I take extension classes and devote my time to volunteering and gaining clinical experience?

I'll also be retaking the mcat this summer so I don't want to jeopardize my mcat prep this time.

Thanks!

 

[OCallag]

Depends on which areas you are weak. If your GPA is low then the double major might make sense since it would bring up the GPA. Try to get feedback from your schools, especially if you're unsure. Make sure the trouble areas are covered for next year.

 

[Blade28]

What's your GPA? If you need to pull it up, then additional sciencec/post-bac classes are needed.

And what was your MCAT?

 

[riverwoman1040]

What's your GPA? If you need to pull it up, then additional sciencec/post-bac classes are needed.

And what was your MCAT?

Agreed. If your GPA is low, do something to fix it. Otherwise get some clinical experience and make some money. There are plenty of ways to do this- emt, ma, phlebotomist, etc. If you don't have many volunteer hours, do some of that. You have an opportunity to strengthen whatever part of your application is weak, make the most of it.

 

[Law2Doc]

Depends on which areas you are weak.

Agreed. We can't help you without details. But in general, you first need to fix what's broken, not just flail around taking classes, retaking MCAT adding graduate schooling and doing clinical stuff. Maybe you should talk to one of the schools that rejected you and see if they will give you advice on how to best strengthen your app for the next cycle. If you truly were lacking in all these areas, you should not have applied the first time -- and no point rushing into a second disaster. For many people with multiple holes in their application, it pays to skip a cycle and get everything fixed without rushing. Rushing tends to kill more apps than anything else. But there is no "one size fits all" fix; you have to address things based on your own individual situation and shortcomings.

 

[Blade28]

Just looked over the OP's previous posts...if you're going to be taking the MCAT again (3rd time), since you got a decent score the previous time, PLEASE make sure you study enough so that you'll significantly increase your score! Don't retake it "just to see what happens" - adcoms don't like to see multiple retakes with the same (or, worse, a lowered!) score.

And definitely send out your secondaries earlier this time - within 24-48 hours if at all possible. And watch those deadlines!

Best of luck.

 

[Star2008]

My mcat: Both times 31R
1) V9 B12 P10
2) V8 B10 P12
I self-studied for these and seriously could have worked harder. I'm going to take Kaplan this third time to keep myself on track.

Gpa: I applied with a 3.75 this time. By the time I graduate, I'm probably looking at a 3.8.

I could have more clinical experience. I've signed up for one starting this month...totalling four hours a week. I'll also start shadowing. Hopefully this will help.

Otherwise, I think I'm pretty strong in community service, research, and LORs. I might have to work on my interviewing skills. :-/

So, given my gpa...should I double major? In terms of other career options, how useful is a double science major?

THANKS!

 

[ChubbyChaser]

No need to take additional classes. Your 8 is probably hurting you a little, but I would say it must be something other then GPA and MCAT.

 

[Star2008]

THANKS Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really appreciate your help! Definitely helping me through this difficult time. Good luck to all of you in all your endeavors!

 

[riverwoman1040]

THANKS Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really appreciate your help! Definitely helping me through this difficult time. Good luck to all of you in all your endeavors!

Wait, did you actually get an 8 in verbal one time? Am I missing something 8+10+12= 30? Either way, I'm not sure I'd retake the MCAT in your position. I guess it depends on where you want to go, and how motivated you are to deal with another round of serious studying, but I think I'd take a good look at the rest of my application and try to find something more problematic to improve. A 31 is not going to keep you out of med school. Good luck!

 

[Law2Doc]

My mcat: Both times 31R
1) V9 B12 P10
2) V8 B10 P12
I self-studied for these and seriously could have worked harder. I'm going to take Kaplan this third time to keep myself on track.

Gpa: I applied with a 3.75 this time. By the time I graduate, I'm probably looking at a 3.8.

I could have more clinical experience. I've signed up for one starting this month...totalling four hours a week. I'll also start shadowing. Hopefully this will help.

Otherwise, I think I'm pretty strong in community service, research, and LORs. I might have to work on my interviewing skills. :-/

So, given my gpa...should I double major? In terms of other career options, how useful is a double science major?

THANKS!

Your numbers and MCAT do not appear to be what should be keeping you out of med school. So you need to figure out what your real hurdle is and address it. I sure wouldn't bother taking more undergrad coursework with a 3.75. There is NO med school that is going to give more value to a 3.8 compared to a 3.75. Might actually hurt you because you don't seem to have any method to your madness. A third MCAT in the same range is far more damaging than sticking with what you've got so I see more risk than benefit to taking it again. since your numbers are fine, look at other things that are impeding you and address them. Might be ECs, but might not.

 

[ucsd2010]

Hi, I am in a similar situation and am about to start my 4th year undergrad. I estimate that I will graduate majoring in Biology with both my science and cumulative gpa around 3.4 because I had a rough first year. I haven't taken the MCATyet but will soon. I don't know if should double major in healthcare issues and get a BA during my 5th year or do a masters/postbac/SMP program. The BA will increase my undergrad gpa but it will be mostly social sciences classes whereas a masters program will prove that I am strong enough in the sciences to do well in medical school. However, if I were to do double major, I would have the opportunity to do a semester abroad which I would love to have the opportunity to do since I won't be able to once I graduate. What do you recommend? Thanks for your help!

 

[JJMrK]

Hi, I am in a similar situation and am about to start my 4th year undergrad. I estimate that I will graduate majoring in Biology with both my science and cumulative gpa around 3.4 because I had a rough first year. I haven't taken the MCATyet but will soon. I don't know if should double major in healthcare issues and get a BA during my 5th year or do a masters/postbac/SMP program. The BA will increase my undergrad gpa but it will be mostly social sciences classes whereas a masters program will prove that I am strong enough in the sciences to do well in medical school. However, if I were to do double major, I would have the opportunity to do a semester abroad which I would love to have the opportunity to do since I won't be able to once I graduate. What do you recommend? Thanks for your help!

JMO, but I think a SMP makes the most sense in your case (if you have the money). A 2 year masters won't do anything for your ugrad GPA. The SMP will show that you can make it in tough science classes. Second best option, IMO, is a 5th year with a decent number of upper division science courses to push that GPA over a 3.5.