Would you wait til next year?

[GimmeaChance]

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Hello,

First off, SDN is great!! 👍

So now, I'm really debating postponing 1 year versus applying now.
I have a 3.1 GPA and a 2.9 BCMP with a 24R MCAT.
I know these are pretty low stats for the competition that I will be facing so I'm debating whether or not to postpone 1 yr.
However, I'm retaking the MCAT in the summer so if I improve I can just update my apps with a new score if I apply now. I can do that or otherwise, apply next yr after taking some science classes and retaking the MCAT.

Quite honestly I really, really would love to apply now, as I am a bit older than the average applicant (23) and I just want to move on. If I apply to a wide range of schools do you think I'd get interviews with these numbers at all or am I kidding myself?

Opinions on applying now? (BTW extracurrics and LORs are good)

 

[nascardoc]

Even though your numbers aren't earth shattering, there are people who do get accepted with those stats, however, I wouldn't rely on that fact. Retaking the MCAT is a good idea. It is easier to increase that score than your GPA, so the higher your MCAT, the more it can offset the lower GPA. If you can get into the high 20's and above (27+), your chances will increase more. Also, be aware that there are schools that won't accept your science GPA since it is below 3.0 (DMU is one). So apply now, and make sure to retake the MCAT and then rock it!!! Apply broadly and early to increase your chances. Good luck.

 

[Doc Henry]

Honestly I would wait a year. I was talking to an advisor about when I should apply because I really wanted to apply this year too, and he basically said that it showed immaturity on my part that I wasn't willing to wait in order to be a better applicant.

Thats not what I wanted to hear, but its great advice. By waiting a year I will have time to improve my application in a lot of ways and I probably wont have to apply to quite so many schools.

Also, these days med schools really like older applicants so being 24 when you apply will look good (even if it bothers you!)

Good luck either way

 

[lala83]

i say go for it.

worst case scenario you don't get in, you can always improve your app...retake the mcat, do a postbacc, etc. and you won't know how you do on the mcat when you retake and if you do well, you don't want to wait until it's late to submit to aacomas.

apply EARLY (i can't stress that enough) and broadly (especially the new schools that are opening up for this fall and next fall)

this process is often very predictable, but often times it's not. if you don't try, you'll never know.

 

[dr.kicia]

i say go for it.

worst case scenario you don't get in, you can always improve your app...retake the mcat, do a postbacc, etc. and you won't know how you do on the mcat when you retake and if you do well, you don't want to wait until it's late to submit to aacomas.

apply EARLY (i can't stress that enough) and broadly (especially the new schools that are opening up for this fall and next fall)

this process is often very predictable, but often times it's not. if you don't try, you'll never know.

i second what lala said...applying is the only way to find out if it was worth it.

 

[bigdog8829]

i say go for it.

worst case scenario you don't get in, you can always improve your app...retake the mcat, do a postbacc, etc. and you won't know how you do on the mcat when you retake and if you do well, you don't want to wait until it's late to submit to aacomas.

apply EARLY (i can't stress that enough) and broadly (especially the new schools that are opening up for this fall and next fall)

this process is often very predictable, but often times it's not. if you don't try, you'll never know.

if you have the money, follow what lala says. why not? worst that will happen is you have to reapply. but be determined to increase your mcat and gpa before you do reapply.

 

[Dr JPH]

Youre not older than the typical DO applicant. In fact, you are a bit younger than the average age of a first year DO student.

If youve got the cash you can always apply. Hopefully there is something really good on your application that helps the numbers out.

 

[VALSALVA]

Youre not older than the typical DO applicant. In fact, you are a bit younger than the average age of a first year DO student.

If youve got the cash you can always apply. Hopefully there is something really good on your application that helps the numbers out.

totally agree! apply where you can, see what happens. if it doesn't work out, at least you'll have a better idea of what needs to be improved (assuming you ask if you do fail to matriculate).

 

[HunterGatherer]

Youre not older than the typical DO applicant. In fact, you are a bit younger than the average age of a first year DO student.

If youve got the cash you can always apply. Hopefully there is something really good on your application that helps the numbers out.

I'd say the average age for class of 2010 NYCOM (300 students) hovers in the 24-25 year range and we have MANY 30+yo's. Apply now.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I would apply this cycle and NOW! The key is to get your stuff in fast and early. Interviews and acceptances are given out on a first come basis. There are a couple of new schools that just opened and as such are more forgiving about numbers. Take a shot. Good luck!

 

[Dr. Josh]

Honestly I would wait a year. I was talking to an advisor about when I should apply because I really wanted to apply this year too, and he basically said that it showed immaturity on my part that I wasn't willing to wait in order to be a better applicant.

Thats not what I wanted to hear, but its great advice. By waiting a year I will have time to improve my application in a lot of ways and I probably wont have to apply to quite so many schools.

Also, these days med schools really like older applicants so being 24 when you apply will look good (even if it bothers you!)

Good luck either way

I'm also waiting, even though it bothered me at first. I have over a 3.65 gpa and probably over a 3.8 science gpa but am retaking a class and also have to take another pre-req this summer. I also need to take the MCAT. I just felt it was too much rushing to try to accomplish it all this summer. I know I'll be a better applicant if I wait a year and it will also give me the opportunity to earn some money and have better clinical experience. Also waiting a year means I can get my stuff in early rather than late. That in of itself should help me.

The OP needs to apply right away to have the early applicant advantage with subpar numbers. Oh and math does not go into the science gpa for DO applicants so refigure your numbers and see where you stand.