In my 3rd gap year (graduated 2020). I was in JAMP but did not matriculate through the program (personal reasons…I know I wasted a good opportunity but I am definitely committed to being better and working hard). During my gap years I’ve been working, doing research (2 publications), medical volunteering (w/ individuals with special health needs).
I need help deciding what to do this semester to do well this upcoming cycle.
Current Schedule:
Main Dilemma:
I don’t know if I should take classes this semester in addition to other activities. The reason my Graduate GPA is so low is because as a sophomore I took two graduate classes and got a B and C. In Spring 2022 I took two graduate classes as a “Post-Bacc” and got A’s which brought it up slightly.
Should I sign up for a few science courses to continue improving my GPA? The only thing is I don’t want to take time away from MCAT (and it’s also kinda costly even to just take a few courses). As it is, work, research, and volunteering take a lot of my time but I can try to take at least 1-2 classes to continue working GPA as well. Another option would be to aim for a really solid MCAT score and then maybe take summer classes (though this can be complicated with summer work/volunteering).
I would really appreciate advice on this and on anything else I can do to be a better applicant. Thanks!
MCAT: 506 (retaking in March)
Undergrad GPA: 3.61
Undergrad BCPM GPA: 3.50
Undergrad Non-BCPM GPA: 3.83
Graduate Total GPA: 3.36
Graduate BCPM GPA: 3.36
Post-Bac GPA: 0.00 (TMDSAS counted my post-bac grades as graduate courses despite being “post-bacc” on transcript)
I need help deciding what to do this semester to do well this upcoming cycle.
Current Schedule:
- Currently working as a medical scribe (20hrs/week)
- Doing research (1 publication, and another pending)
- The reason for so few work hours is to study for the MCAT which I plan on retaking in March. I feel more confident this time around and have scored 509/512 Next Step and 514 on AAMC (I know it's not necessarily representative of Test Day but at least it’s an upward trend).
- Dedicating time each week to improving Personal Statement/Secondary essays
- Volunteer 1-2x a month at weekend retreats/organizations for people with special medical needs
- Planning on shadowing soon because apparently some schools differentiate between shadowing and clinical hours (even though scribing is shadowing w/ more responsibilities)
Main Dilemma:
I don’t know if I should take classes this semester in addition to other activities. The reason my Graduate GPA is so low is because as a sophomore I took two graduate classes and got a B and C. In Spring 2022 I took two graduate classes as a “Post-Bacc” and got A’s which brought it up slightly.
Should I sign up for a few science courses to continue improving my GPA? The only thing is I don’t want to take time away from MCAT (and it’s also kinda costly even to just take a few courses). As it is, work, research, and volunteering take a lot of my time but I can try to take at least 1-2 classes to continue working GPA as well. Another option would be to aim for a really solid MCAT score and then maybe take summer classes (though this can be complicated with summer work/volunteering).
I would really appreciate advice on this and on anything else I can do to be a better applicant. Thanks!
STATS
MCAT: 506 (retaking in March) Undergrad GPA: 3.61
Undergrad BCPM GPA: 3.50
Undergrad Non-BCPM GPA: 3.83
Graduate Total GPA: 3.36
Graduate BCPM GPA: 3.36
Post-Bac GPA: 0.00 (TMDSAS counted my post-bac grades as graduate courses despite being “post-bacc” on transcript)