I am seriously debating whether I should take a year off and apply the summer after I graduate, or to apply this summer to MSTP programs. My notable stats are:
Cumulative GPA: 3.9
Science GPA: 3.9
MCAT: *taking in may (35 on latest practice test)
(if it matters)..
White
First-generation
Low-income
Research: 2 yrs + 1 summer in same lab. No publications yet, but will be writing paper this summer (1st author) and will be on second paper by next spring (2nd author). I have two local talks, two local poster presentations, and one poster presentation at international conference.
Teaching: TA for 3 courses (I really enjoy teaching).
Health Related: some physician shadowing and hospital volunteering; health policy minor.
Other: president of tutoring club and journal club, service fellowship (150+ local service hours per year), journal clubs, advising, etc.
My question is am I seriously competitive at top 10 MSTP programs right now, or would it significantly help my application to take a year off (Ill have two pubs by then) and apply (I would continue research during my year off)? I really feel prepared and want to apply this summer, but I want my best chance at getting into a great program.
Cumulative GPA: 3.9
Science GPA: 3.9
MCAT: *taking in may (35 on latest practice test)
(if it matters)..
White
First-generation
Low-income
Research: 2 yrs + 1 summer in same lab. No publications yet, but will be writing paper this summer (1st author) and will be on second paper by next spring (2nd author). I have two local talks, two local poster presentations, and one poster presentation at international conference.
Teaching: TA for 3 courses (I really enjoy teaching).
Health Related: some physician shadowing and hospital volunteering; health policy minor.
Other: president of tutoring club and journal club, service fellowship (150+ local service hours per year), journal clubs, advising, etc.
My question is am I seriously competitive at top 10 MSTP programs right now, or would it significantly help my application to take a year off (Ill have two pubs by then) and apply (I would continue research during my year off)? I really feel prepared and want to apply this summer, but I want my best chance at getting into a great program.
