what to do

[razzmatazz87]

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Hey all, I have been ghosting these forums for a while but finally decided to seek some wisdom.

Long story short. I applied this cycle, with a 3.61 cGPA, probably around a 3.4 sGPA, and a 29 MCAT. Not the best stats I know. My biggest error was my MCAT sub scores, 7 PS, 11s in the others. I took the test late July and thought I might as well apply instead of the September retake...

Ive had 4 interviews, 2 deferred, waiting to hear back from the other 2. being the anxious SDNer, I am thinking worst case scenario, I do not get in. In that case, should I try to reapply for the next cycle with an MCAT retake this spring? Or should I wait it out 2 years? Its too late to apply to most Master's programs, but maybe I could take a few science classes at a local university.

And advice appreciated!

 

[Mad Jack]

Your overall picture is pretty low average. A retake with a higher PS would improve your chances- that 7 is the biggest thorn in the side of your app. A better MCAT would probably help you more than a GPA boost. A SMP and a better MCAT would certainly get you in somewhere if they improved your overall picture, but would bury your chances if your performance was similar or worse. So either put one to two years into improving your app and go MD, or apply next year and go DO, as your stats would probably get you into a few schools.

Also, many SMP programs are still taking applications. If you jump on one now, you could probably get in for next year's class.

 

[theseeker4]

Hey all, I have been ghosting these forums for a while but finally decided to seek some wisdom.

Long story short. I applied this cycle, with a 3.61 cGPA, probably around a 3.4 sGPA, and a 29 MCAT. Not the best stats I know. My biggest error was my MCAT sub scores, 7 PS, 11s in the others. I took the test late July and thought I might as well apply instead of the September retake...

Ive had 4 interviews, 2 deferred, waiting to hear back from the other 2. being the anxious SDNer, I am thinking worst case scenario, I do not get in. In that case, should I try to reapply for the next cycle with an MCAT retake this spring? Or should I wait it out 2 years? Its too late to apply to most Master's programs, but maybe I could take a few science classes at a local university.

And advice appreciated!

I wouldn't go for an SMP in your position. It is an expense and risk you don't need to take, since your GPAs are good enough for admission, and it is your MCAT holding you back. Re-take the MCAT in the spring after intense studying for it, and apply early June. Keep up any ECs between now and when you are admitted, and if you are still taking classes, rock all As. good luck!

 

[Goro]

For MD schools: re-take MCAT. Take it only when you're sure you've fixed that VR deficit. Aim for >30. Apply ASAP.

For DO schools, you're fine. Start applying June 1, and find a DO to shadow.

Hey all, I have been ghosting these forums for a while but finally decided to seek some wisdom.

Long story short. I applied this cycle, with a 3.61 cGPA, probably around a 3.4 sGPA, and a 29 MCAT. Not the best stats I know. My biggest error was my MCAT sub scores, 7 PS, 11s in the others. I took the test late July and thought I might as well apply instead of the September retake...

Ive had 4 interviews, 2 deferred, waiting to hear back from the other 2. being the anxious SDNer, I am thinking worst case scenario, I do not get in. In that case, should I try to reapply for the next cycle with an MCAT retake this spring? Or should I wait it out 2 years? Its too late to apply to most Master's programs, but maybe I could take a few science classes at a local university.

And advice appreciated!

 

[Catalystik]

I applied this cycle, with a 3.61 cGPA, probably around a 3.4 sGPA, and a 29 MCAT. Not the best stats I know. My biggest error was my MCAT sub scores, 7 PS, 11s in the others.

maybe I could take a few science classes at a local university.

And advice appreciated!

If you already have a steep upward grade trend in the sciences, you might be fine as you are with an improved MCAT retake. If you don't, then some sGPA resuscitation is in order, whether by unofficial undergrad postbac classes, or SMP, depending on your financial resources, surety of excellent academic work, and how many classes it would take to nudge your number higher.

 

[Hulk Smash]

I would seek some advice from the schools that interviewed you. If you didn't nab any interviews then I would consider some time off, but you may not need it... See what they say

 

[razzmatazz87]

Thanks guys, I am just super conflicted. I have had four interviews, ironically only one from my instate school (osu) and the other three from the SC schools with which I have "close ties"


I would prefer having a strong application as opposed to reapplying for three times, which I kinda see as excessive/costly. If I want to reapply for the 2014-2015 cycle, I need to start MCAT studying ASAP, and I do have more clinical but I am worried I get rejected again versus if I wait a year, try and squeak out some science classes postgraduation...

I'll just talk to my premed advisor I suppose.

 

[loltopsy]

I'll just talk to my premed advisor I suppose.

Premed advisers don't know their head from their ass.

Anyway, I think you should go DO.

 

[About28]

Hey all, I have been ghosting these forums for a while but finally decided to seek some wisdom.

Long story short. I applied this cycle, with a 3.61 cGPA, probably around a 3.4 sGPA, and a 29 MCAT. Not the best stats I know. My biggest error was my MCAT sub scores, 7 PS, 11s in the others. I took the test late July and thought I might as well apply instead of the September retake...

Ive had 4 interviews, 2 deferred, waiting to hear back from the other 2. being the anxious SDNer, I am thinking worst case scenario, I do not get in. In that case, should I try to reapply for the next cycle with an MCAT retake this spring? Or should I wait it out 2 years? Its too late to apply to most Master's programs, but maybe I could take a few science classes at a local university.

And advice appreciated!

OP when did you submit your secondaries?

 

[razzmatazz87]

AMCAS was slow this year so the primary was in by September, most the secondaries in by sept/oct. Really struggling with the retake the MCAT this bring or wait a year and beef up my app right now. Or maybe I get in after my deferrals idk

 

[SN12357]

AMCAS was slow this year so the primary was in by September, most the secondaries in by sept/oct. Really struggling with the retake the MCAT this bring or wait a year and beef up my app right now. Or maybe I get in after my deferrals idk

Your biggest error wasn't your 7 subscore, it was applying so drastically late. AMCAS's delay didn't cause you to submit your primary in September. The fact that you got interviews at all means that the rest of your application must be strong.

Given how late you applied if you submit EARLY this year (put your primary in in early June--no later), your chances are decent. If you feel confident you can retake the MCAT and get the same or higher with more balanced subscores your chances would probably be very good.

 

[razzmatazz87]

Maybe I wasn't too clear, I submitted my primary in early august. Amcas took a while to shift though it. I do think it being late did not help though

I'll see if I can retake the MCAT in May, have my app in by June...I'll probably also apply to DO this year and I think I can manage to get in a few of those schools

 

[Sumtingwong]

Are you URM? I thought OSU only interviewed higher MCAT scores. (i'm still waiting to hear back)....

 

[razzmatazz87]

No I'm not! I have a lot of EC's and my LORs are apparently pretty stellar, according to my interviewers. I haven't heard from Cinci/Toledo/Neomed/Wright so I don't feel so hot about my OSU deferral...

 

[SN12357]

Maybe I wasn't too clear, I submitted my primary in early august. Amcas took a while to shift though it. I do think it being late did not help though

I'll see if I can retake the MCAT in May, have my app in by June...I'll probably also apply to DO this year and I think I can manage to get in a few of those schools

Well, being complete in October is definitely late regardless, if that's when you sent in your secondaries. Early app next year + potentially improved MCAT score + also applying DO and you should be good for the next cycle if this year doesn't work out.

 

[razzmatazz87]

Duly noted, I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and retake the MCAT this spring. Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[Sumtingwong]

No I'm not! I have a lot of EC's and my LORs are apparently pretty stellar, according to my interviewers. I haven't heard from Cinci/Toledo/Neomed/Wright so I don't feel so hot about my OSU deferral...

You must definitely have steller ECs and LORs 🙂 I wish OSU would give me some love. I would work on that MCAT too. I also applied around the same time as you and haven't heard back form those other schools either, so I think our late applications are definitely a big issue. Apply early next year!