Which option should I take? Feel free to be harsh

[BalooTheBear]

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Okay, I am yet to get any interviews out of the 10 schools I applied to.
I know it's partly my fault because I didn't finish my app's until early Nov, but I'm sure that there's more to it than just that.

I have a 3.5 with a 28Q and multiple clinical internships and community/university activities. Now I'm confused as to what will help me for when (or if, but most likely when) I re-apply:

1) Start studying now and Re-take the MCAT in May and hope to raise my 28
2) Do the 1-year Master's program at Rosalind Franklin (they guarantee you an interview if you do the program, but it costs about 36K!!!)
3) 1-year Medical Masters at Loyola (Guarantee interview if you get higher than a 3.5 in their program) (cost is around 32K!!)
4) Wait it out and hope that my 28 will get me in this year or next year with the volunteer/clinical work I do between now and when I turn my apps in.

I spoke to a family friend who said that Masters programs are typically for people with GPA's lower than mine, and that I shouldn't pursue it. He used to be on an admissions board so I trust him, but I feel that doing that option would help me out the most.

Possibly best option: Apply to the masters programs and study to re-take the MCAT in May. If the MCAT score is sub-par, I attend the RF Masters program. If the MCAT is great, then no-go with Masters.

Any suggestions would be great. Sorry for the long post

 

[gman33]

What is your science GPA?
Is there anything else is your app that may be hurting you?

Your GPA and MCAT are below average. With those numbers, I'd recommend applying to 30 schools, not 10. Getting your MCAT above the 32+ range is your best way to get some interviews in the next cycle. This will help more than any additional coursework. Start your prep now.

A below average app. along with late submission is not going to get you far. Concentrate on the MCAT and get your application submitted on the first day this next cycle. Apply very broadly and you should get some interviews.

 

[BalooTheBear]

my science is around 3.25

I don't feel like there are any other portions of my app that are weak. I've had 5 different medically-related internships, in clinical, administrative and legislative settings. I also have done observations.
I've also done a lot of leadership work with my university, I participated in multiple organizations with leadership positions. I really feel like the subpar GPA/MCAT is whats holding me back.

I'll start working on the MCAT. Do you think planning on taking it in May would give me enough time to jump from 28 to 31+?

Also, should I still apply for those masters programs?

Thanks for your help

 

[gman33]

It would be nice to get that science GPA up a little, but I'd focus on the MCAT first. 4-5 months should be plenty of time to get the MCAT up 1 point per section. I'd set a goal of getting 11 or better in each section.
Was your score balanced or did you do poorly in one section?

Are you in school this semester? If not, you should be able to find plenty of time to prep for the MCAT. Search the forums if you need some study ideas. Personally I used the Examkrackers stuff and did all the AAMC practice tests.

I wouldn't try for any of the Master's programs yet. Get the MCAT up and give applying another shot before going down that road. A year of upper-level UG science courses would probably be at least as good as a SMP.

Good luck. Feel free to PM if you have any more questions.

 

[aliDO]

Are you only interested in MD? DO is a great option if you are interested in it. If you only want to be an MD you probably need a higher science GPA and higher MCAT. A 28 isn't all that bad, so it could actually go down, which would not be good. Try to improve your GPA too. If you are set on MD I really think a Master's is needed. The science GPA is so important and a Master's would show you can handle medical school. Anyway, good luck and applying never hurts (except the pocket book)!

 

[RxnMan]

...1) Start studying now and Re-take the MCAT in May and hope to raise my 28...
4) Wait it out and hope that my 28 will get me in this year or next year with the volunteer/clinical work I do between now and when I turn my apps in...

The thing holding you back is the MCAT. If that. You could apply widely and to some DO schools and you'd get interviews. The above are the best, cheapest, and most effective options. Getting a masters doesn't give the same bang for your buck that a solid MCAT, GPA will.

 

[Tired Pigeon]

Your numbers aren't so bad that they should keep you out entirely. Possible issues may be the lateness of application, as you pointed out, or non-quantitative thingss like your PS and/or LORs. The PS needs to be looked at by people who are 1) excellent writers, 2) familiar with what a good PS looks like, and 3) willing to be brutally honest with you. LORs need to come from people who know you well and can make a strong case why you should be admitted. Also, you say you applied to ten schools - were these places where an application with your numbers would be reasonably considered?

The masters option doesn't sound like a good investment of your time or money at this point, IMO.

 

[ShyRem]

Next year APPLY EARLY. I cannot stress this enough. As in the VERY FIRST DAY you can. Get secondaries turned around no longer than 48 hours.

EARLY. so key.

 

[Blade28]

Next year APPLY EARLY. I cannot stress this enough. As in the VERY FIRST DAY you can. Get secondaries turned around no longer than 48 hours.

EARLY. so key.

Agreed.

November is very late for your app to be complete.

I'm also going to plead that you apply widely and broadly. VERY widely and broadly. I firmly believe that not adhering to this causes many people a lot of stress.

I had what many would consider "average" or "decent" stats when I was a pre-med, yet still applied to 30+ schools. Yes, I was in California for undergrad, but you still want to cast a very wide net.

This is doubly important if you feel your MCAT isn't quite up to par.

Either way, best of luck!

 

[RxnMan]

...I know it's partly my fault because I didn't finish my app's until early Nov...

Whoops, didn't see this. Yeah, definitely apply early - AMCAS opens May 1st and can be sent out June 1st. Secondaries can be turned around in 2 weeks or less, even if you're fully employed. Check FAQ on quick application turn-around times.

 

[tdsbird2]

go to loyola and retake the mcat...28 isnt great or horrible, but if you are studying as hard as you have to for a SMP then you should ace the bio section of the MCAT and would only have to study seperately for the physics and verbal...raising both would be the best bet i think

 

[Tachymeter]

You might think about DO schools. I had almost exactly the same MCAT and GPA, slightly higher science, but I got 7 interview invites and 4 acceptances (All the schools I interviewed at) to DO. Although I only applied DO so I don't know about how I would have faired with MD.

 

[hum3a]

i think it was just a combination of things working against you. your application was late on top of the fact that your mcat is not very competitive. If you had a 31-32 this cycle you would have gotten a few interviews at least.

 

[Giddyup5]

I was in the same position as you last year and i can tell you of my experience.

I was waitlisted at 3 schools last year

3.65 with a 30Q

I got into mount sinais masters programs as well as drexels that would guarentee me an interview. EVERYONE i talked to suggested to not do the masters program. Basically, why pay for a degree that your never going to use.

Because I was on waitlists till the end of the summer with a "good" chance of getting in i didn't even retake my mcats. FOR YOU i would suggest retaking the mcats.

But the main thing I applied VERY early. Even though i was on the waitlist i rewrote my ps and applied the first week possible. And it was difficult because my app was the same besides the ps. But i reworded everything and while filling out secondary apps I discussed that I was in the job application process and would update them soon regarding that.

That way I had my app in way early. I got lucky and found a job as Genetic Technician at UConn Health Center because a tech was leaving on maternity leave and I had a lot of lab experieince. Def look at the positions at your local hospitals...i was suprised by how many i was able to find.

Also last year i applied to like 8 schools. This year i applied to about 20 Md and 3 DO. Long story short I have 1 md acceptance, 2 do acceptances, and 5 waitlists.

DONT GIVE UP. Working fulltime at the hospital has opened up a lot of opportunities to shadow and get good NEW lor's. I'll warn you. I never was so busy in my life. Many times i would work full time all day than spend another 6 hours shadowing a doc. But it is possible! and looking back...I have matured soo much in this last year...that i am much more prepared for medical school.

Goodluck and work hard! 🙂

 

[Daydreamer2008]

Okay, I am yet to get any interviews out of the 10 schools I applied to.
I know it's partly my fault because I didn't finish my app's until early Nov, but I'm sure that there's more to it than just that.

I have a 3.5 with a 28Q and multiple clinical internships and community/university activities. Now I'm confused as to what will help me for when (or if, but most likely when) I re-apply:

1) Start studying now and Re-take the MCAT in May and hope to raise my 28
2) Do the 1-year Master's program at Rosalind Franklin (they guarantee you an interview if you do the program, but it costs about 36K!!!)
3) 1-year Medical Masters at Loyola (Guarantee interview if you get higher than a 3.5 in their program) (cost is around 32K!!)
4) Wait it out and hope that my 28 will get me in this year or next year with the volunteer/clinical work I do between now and when I turn my apps in.

I spoke to a family friend who said that Masters programs are typically for people with GPA's lower than mine, and that I shouldn't pursue it. He used to be on an admissions board so I trust him, but I feel that doing that option would help me out the most.

Possibly best option: Apply to the masters programs and study to re-take the MCAT in May. If the MCAT score is sub-par, I attend the RF Masters program. If the MCAT is great, then no-go with Masters.


Any suggestions would be great. Sorry for the long post

#1 Improve MCAT
#2 Try to apply to at least 25 schools ( i know very expensive, but it's worth it in the end)
#3 Turn in AMCAS early June, complete secondaries asap.

Did I mention improve on the MCAT? 😉
also--since you will be a reapplicant you should revamp your personal statement...don't keep it the same! 🙂