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Hi Everyone,
I saw a few threads that were somewhat similar to this, but couldn't find a case that exactly matched mine, and there didn't seem to be a definitive answer as some threads contradicted others.
I'm wondering if applying to schools in one cycle, then re-applying in the next cycle, would be disadvantageous in terms of admission prospects. For the sake of the simplicity of this thread and eliminating all other variables, I am ignoring the factors of stress, fees, time, emotional labor, etc., and just focusing on this in terms of chances of admission.
I'm a somewhat average applicant in terms of numbers (GPA ~3.6, doing ok with ECs, very heavy on research). I'm expecting a good MCAT score and a compelling personal statement (both strengths of mine).
If I apply now, these will be my stats.
If I wait a year and apply in the next cycle, I KNOW that I will be a stronger applicant. My GPA will be higher, around 3.7 (the lower GPA was the result of personal issues, I expect only improvement in terms of GPA), I'll have even more lab experience, I'll have time to strengthen and fill out my ECs, and I'll get more clinical experience. Also, I'll have completed all of the coursework for subjects featured on the MCAT, so I could expect an even higher score.
My friends and family are pushing for me to apply in both cycles (to go straight to med school after undergrad, AND to the cycle that would involve me taking a gap year). Their reasoning is that there's no harm in applying twice; I might get in the first time, and even if not, the schools won't care much if it's my second round applying. They also say that they think it's a good idea to give myself two times to take the MCAT (but some schools will just avg. the scores, so it seems like it's better to take it once when you're most prepared), and that being a re-applicant can show improvement and resiliency.
What do you guys think? Thanks so much.
I saw a few threads that were somewhat similar to this, but couldn't find a case that exactly matched mine, and there didn't seem to be a definitive answer as some threads contradicted others.
I'm wondering if applying to schools in one cycle, then re-applying in the next cycle, would be disadvantageous in terms of admission prospects. For the sake of the simplicity of this thread and eliminating all other variables, I am ignoring the factors of stress, fees, time, emotional labor, etc., and just focusing on this in terms of chances of admission.
I'm a somewhat average applicant in terms of numbers (GPA ~3.6, doing ok with ECs, very heavy on research). I'm expecting a good MCAT score and a compelling personal statement (both strengths of mine).
If I apply now, these will be my stats.
If I wait a year and apply in the next cycle, I KNOW that I will be a stronger applicant. My GPA will be higher, around 3.7 (the lower GPA was the result of personal issues, I expect only improvement in terms of GPA), I'll have even more lab experience, I'll have time to strengthen and fill out my ECs, and I'll get more clinical experience. Also, I'll have completed all of the coursework for subjects featured on the MCAT, so I could expect an even higher score.
My friends and family are pushing for me to apply in both cycles (to go straight to med school after undergrad, AND to the cycle that would involve me taking a gap year). Their reasoning is that there's no harm in applying twice; I might get in the first time, and even if not, the schools won't care much if it's my second round applying. They also say that they think it's a good idea to give myself two times to take the MCAT (but some schools will just avg. the scores, so it seems like it's better to take it once when you're most prepared), and that being a re-applicant can show improvement and resiliency.
What do you guys think? Thanks so much.