What if..?

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oreobigmac

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Hey guys, so I'm starting to think about plans for next year, if I don't get accepted into med schools this cycle. A brief stat: 2nd time applying, 29, currently in Gtown's SMP, applied to broad range of schools, 1 first author publication, 1 poster presentation.. but i still havn't heard back from any schools yet. seeing as it is the middle of the app cycle, just wanted to have back up plans for next year. I've already done the whole clinical research thing for one yr after college. Any suggestions on what I can do next yr that will "shine" in the eyes of med school admissions? Thanks
 
What is your cGPA in the SMP, and did you send a first semester transcript to each school? I thought it was unusual for a decision to be made on the file of an SMPer before they demonstrated some solid performance in the program.

I hope you are engaging in some form of clinical exposure this term and next, just in case you have to answer the question, "What have you done to improve your application since you last applied?" As to other improvements, have you already listed leadership, teaching, and shadowing? Nonmedical community service is another desirable area to augment. Any improvements you've made in any of these areas is fair game for the update letter commonly sent at the end of fall term to help sway adcomms positively.
 
cGPA is 3.5 in the SMP. I'd like to think that both my medical and non medical ec are strong, so that shouldn't be an area of concern. Still waiting to hear back from over 10 schools tho, but i'm just trying to think ahead for next yr.

So right now, it's either MPH or work. not too sure which is more "advantageous"?
 
I tend to think that AdComs typically extend interview invites to SMPers and post-baccs after the new year, in order to wait for first semester grades. Honestly, your solid GPA in your SMP place you in a good spot, but I'd continue doing something clinically related and/or service-oriented.

I'm also a second time applicant, and at the beginning of the cycle I asked myself what I'd do if I didn't get in this time around. Since I plan on pursuing an MD/MPH anyways, my plan B was to pursue an MPH degree (apps are due very late). Only go for the MPH if you want it anyways. Don't just do it to get another credential. Working and making money is always good, but unless you have some leads/inside help, landing a job right now is not what it used to be...
 
explore what your interests would be outside of medicine? or think about what kind of jobs there are in the health care field? there are tons of administrative jobs i'm sure you could find.

and ditto to above posters, don't do the MPH if you're not interested in public health. public health is a very interesting area of study and you can do tons with an MPH, so if that's something you're considering, do some research and see what you think
 
I would not recommend going into debt to get an MPH unless you'd want one anyway. I would push very hard to get into school this year. Is a 3.5 a good GPA for your program? Can G'town do anything to help you? How about your chances of getting in there? Is your MCAT score competitive?

I think if you haven't heard back (either positive or negative) from a lot of schools and your GPA/MCAT are reasonable,then they are probably looking and waiting to see what grades you are going to get this semester. So I would not panic.

Personally, I would consider a good, solid DO school (not one that opened last year or that doesn't have a good reputation) if you are interested...I mean if you don't get in this year.
 
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