Hey guys,
I am planning for reapplication and would greatly appreciate any insight into whether it would be advisable to reapply in the 2021-2022 or 2022-2023 cycle.
I applied this current cycle (2019-2020) with a 3.55 cGPA, 3.60 sGPA (strong upward trend), 515 MCAT (130/128/129/128), 280 hours of clinical and 310 hours of nonclinical volunteering, 40 hours of shadowing, and 750 hours of research. I now realize that as a CA ORM with an academic IA from freshman year (spring of 2017), I made the mistake of applying too soon and without any attractive element to my app that highlights my growth or uniqueness.
Since submitting my app in May 2020, I've been working as a research assistant at a small biotech startup, continuing my hospital volunteering, and started 2 new volunteering activities as a kitchen volunteer at a homeless rescue mission and college preparation educator for juvenile inmates. I also have first-coauthor publication that is in the revision process, which my PI expects to be published in the next 6-8 months after we submit additional data.
My dilemma is that I am unsure of whether to apply this year in May or wait until 2022. Reapplying this year ensures that my MCAT, which I took in August 2019, will be valid for all schools. Reapplying next year means that although my MCAT will be valid at only about half of the schools (from the information on MSAR), I will have accumulated more new experiences and have a stronger app. I definitely want to cast a wide net and would prefer to reapply this cycle; however, I'm not sure if I will have made significant changes to my app that will make a difference.
This turned out to be a rather long post. Thank you for your time in reading it and I would greatly appreciate any advice!