Could you elaborate as to how OP is a “weak applicant”? I would’ve said his chances are fine but I want to enlighten myself
Hello everybody, I’m currently in my second application cycle with no II yet so I’m starting to think about my strategy if I have to reapply.
Weakness 1: a reapplicant. At many schools this is already a flag. Not only does it mean reapplicant at this schools, but would have the strong implication they have been rejected at every other school.
Stats:
3.52 cGPA/sGPA (upward trend)
-3.0 freshman
-3.5 soph/junior
-3.9+ senior
Is this applicant really a 3.9 level or is 3.5 reflect the long term consistent nature of their academic ability?
508 MCAT (1st take)
514 MCAT (2nd take)
The AAMC guidance now recommends averaging MCAT scores so this may be seen as 511 at some schools.
In either case, solely on GPA/MCAT applicant runs 50%-60% acceptance but the uneven academic performance makes this likely lower
3 years research w 2nd author pub
While a plus, many applicants give too much weight to research where volunteering, working with underserved, etc are more important. This is also true for candidate who are not looking at research schools
~150 hours clinical volunteering
~100 hours non-clinical volunteering
Substantial shadowing/clinical exposure
I feel my biggest weaknesses are my gpa and volunteering, as I’ve kind of jumped around between different volunteering positions and don’t have much long-term commitment to show for. Overrall, a pretty sub-par cookie cutter app regarding my EC’s, however, I am a first gen American and college student, and I have a somewhat interesting diversity story.
With a weaker/uneven GPA, an applicant should shine in this area. Clinical Volunteering at 150 is my ROT for a solid candidate. Same for non clinical. Not enough hours to give a boost, no long term commitment, no leadership, etc. So instead of being outstanding to help application, they at best below average. Additionally, too much shadowing when out balance with other factors, can be looked at unfavorably.
I did receive an II interview last cycle but was ultimately waitlisted/rejected.
and one interview with a waitlist is the result
What should my reapplication strategy be for a third cycle? I was thinking maybe an SMP with a linkage program as I am pretty confident in my academic ability to do well in it.
1) I would skip a year as many schools say the most mistake in reapplicants is applying again too soon (see links below)
2) increase both clinical and non clinical, particularly in underserved
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Many medical schools offer specific pages of advice for reapplicants, something I find few students look into. This would be true whether or not you are a specific reapplicant to that school. Below are links to a few and please note most say the
most common mistake among reapplicants is applying again too soon
Should I do a Masters in my gap year / WAMC / advice please
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Reapplicants - Miller School of Medicine Admissions
Roughly 20% of the students who apply to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in any given year are reapplicants. Data that we have collected indicate they have a lower acceptance rate than do first time applicants
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Heath
http://www.med.wisc.edu/education/md/admissions/reapplying/31716
(emphasis in the original)
There should be significant improvements in your application before reapplying. This might mean not reapplying the very next year. The most common error made by reapplicants is that they submit their next application too soon.
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
The Ohio State University College of Medicine - Tips & Advice
To maximize the chances of giving off this perception, you must allow enough time before reapplying. This will undoubtedly be the hardest part of the process, but be patient; if you rush it, you may join the ranks of those who are applying for a third time.
University of Minnesota Medical School
Re-Applicant
Though you can submit a second application immediately after your first application, you may want to consider waiting a year if you feel you need more experiences that help you demonstrate the essential and desired qualities of an ideal medical student.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Reapplicants | Office of Admissions
http://www.med.unc.edu/admit/requirements/our-ideal-candidate/selection-criteria
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
http://medicine.vtc.vt.edu/admissions/re-applicants/
LSU Health Shreveport
Re-Applicants
University of Missouri
http://medicine.missouri.edu/admissions/nontraditional.html
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine
whatif
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC)
https://www.unthsc.edu/texas-colleg...ants-home/common-mistakes-made-by-applicants/
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
http://www.com.msu.edu/Admissions/Guidelines_For_Success/Reapplication.htm
