Feeling disappointed and need help deciding what to do next
Hello all,
Long-time lurker, first-time poster.
I tested for the first time on 4/11 and received a 508: 127/126/126/129. I’m disappointed because my AAMC full-length scores were higher overall: 508/515/517/522/517/516. That said, I know practice scores are not always perfectly predictive, and I’m trying to be realistic about what this score means.
I had hoped my MCAT would help offset a lower academic profile, but I’m concerned that a 508 may not do that, especially for the research-heavy MD schools I am most interested in. I am a 22-year-old male, Washington resident, ORM.
Current profile:
cGPA: 3.58
sGPA: 3.41
MCAT: 508 (127/126/126/129)
Research: CRC at academic hospital ~2,500 hours. I have 2 first-author peer-reviewed publications, one of which won a clinical research paper award at a national conference, 4 middle-author peer-reviewed publications, 2 podium presentations, and several posters.
Clinical experience: Volunteer EMT, ~400 hours.
Nonclinical volunteering: Warm-line volunteer, ~300 hours (similar to crisis-line work, but focused on supporting people who were not actively suicidal).
Nonclinical employment: Contract/construction work, mostly interior renovations, ~300 hours.
Shadowing: ~150 hours
Ideally, I would like to remain at the University of Washington because I have ongoing research projects there, but I am also interested in schools with strong research infrastructure, strong clinical training, and good opportunities for surgery-related research/mentorship.
My concern is that my current stats may not be competitive enough for the schools I would realistically want to attend. I had originally planned to apply this cycle, but after receiving my MCAT score, I am reconsidering.
I would appreciate advice on a few questions:
Should I apply this cycle, or hold off and retake the MCAT later this year?
Given my GPA, would a DIY post-bacc be worth doing while working full time in research?
Would an SMP be overkill in my situation, or should I consider one?
Are there other parts of my application I should prioritize strengthening before applying?
Any honest advice would be appreciated.