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[tired_old_crow]

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[Dral]

From your title, we are to assume you applied only/mainly MD/PhD, yes?

If that is true, which of these three best describes you?:
1. It is most important to me to be a physician, but I would also like to do research.
2. I fully intend to do medical research that would be greatly facilitated by also being a physician.
3. While I would like to be a physician, I would be happy being a medical researcher as a PhD.

If you fall into category 1, I would recommend reapplication with other non-MD/PhD apps (including DO).
If 2: You can try predominantly MD/PhD again, but you will need to add things to your app and show productivity. This may necessitate an additional gap year.
If 3: You might consider moving on with a PhD instead of MD or DO.

Also, what does the rest of your app look like (volunteer, clinical work/volunteering, shadowing)?

 

[tired_old_crow]

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[Med Ed]

You may consider applying MD-only and then switching into MD/PhD after matriculation. This would cost you some loan money, but there are almost always empty slots as existing MD/PhD students convert to MD-only.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

Question #1: What significant improvements will be documented in your reapplication?
Question #2: What continued growth will be documented in your reapplication?

Where are your community service/service orientation activities?
If you wanted to stay in your field (comp neurosci), why did you not apply for a research masters/PhD? Heck with the idea of throwing away a year... you want to be happy doing what you want, even if ultimately you want the bite at the medical school apple.

 

[tired_old_crow]

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[Mr.Smile12]

Thank you for the reply. I'll try to answer, but I'm not sure what you mean by 'documented' improvements/growth.
A1: I got a little feedback from last cycle, mainly addressing poor writing, especially with regards to my research. I had similar feedback from my interviews. I'm getting more feedback on this writing.
A2: During last cycle I started a project which is nearing completion. I've submitted to present but I'll have to submit my primary well before I get confirmation. Some of my letter writers will update their letters, but I don't have any brand new activity. I've had a complicated year which people have suggested writing about to demonstrate "resilience", but the reality was a series of lucky and unlucky events.

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My feedback was limited but didn't mention my activities. With that said, I'm no longer actively volunteering. I had to stop tutoring due to my work schedule.
I did plan on applying to PhD programs last year, but I didn't have the money. Money is also why I didn't submit most of my secondaries last cycle.

The main focus for MD/PhD applications is your research experience, so take to heart any suggestions you have about writing about your projects and results. Activities aren't as heavily weighted except for fitting mission with the MD side as necessary.

I think you need to decide whether you should just do PhD (for now). Go to the Physician Scientists forum where most of the MSTP folks hang out and get their insight.