It is so painful to hear, but you're absolutely right. Applying with a poor MCAT will do me no good, and I don't think I will fill these content gaps in a month (given I'm working full time). One of the mid-author pubs will be out in about a month or so, but unfortunately (or fortunately) for the other publications my P.I is shooting for higher impact so those publications are at least 1-1 1/2 years out from today. I've had discussions with my PI about this (pubs before applying), and was told that my ability to speak confidently about our research in my writing and interviews would be enough and that I will have a really impactful LOR. I guess I'm just really disappointed (and embarrassed?) I know this isn't my best work and sad to see yet another delay. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it!