This year or next?

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MabdulD

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At the risk of being redundant...

So, I'm trying to decide whether to reapply this year or next, and I was hoping some of you who've been in this spot before can offer some advice.

You can check out my numbers and activities in my mdapplicants profile. The short version is that my numbers are strong, my ECs weak.

My plan all along has been that if I didn't get in this year, I would take a couple of years to really throw myself into some things, improve those ECs, and put together a stellar application for the next time around. But then today one of my schools told me that if I applied early, they could guarantee me an interview at least. They also told me that the main reason they didn't accept me was that I hadn't really ever applied myself to anything over a long period of time. So, while I would LOVE to get in next year, quite frankly, my application hasn't really changed. I don't know why they would change their minds.

There appears to be no harm in applying to that one school early. What do I have to lose? I would know by October 1st. But if I'm going to go through all the trouble of putting together an AMCAS application, should I apply to other schools as well? I really don't want to go through this uncertainty business with the waitlists only to be rejected again. I feel like my life is on hold right now, and I'm worried that I might get stuck in waitlist limbo again, and not be able to really commit to any long-term jobs or activities.

I'm leaning toward doing just the one early decision school, but it feels like such a waste. Any thoughts? Thanks.
 
If you got the time, I would do something long-term like Teach for America, Peace Corps, reseach, etc. Did you apply late this time? If you did, that would explain a lot. On the other hand, you had a fair number of interviews. How did they go? What are your waitlist schools saying about your chances for getting off?

If you really want to apply EDP, you should contact the school and ask about your chances so you don't waste another year. However, I think your numbers are outstanding. Even though the process can be random, they are good enough for any school if your EC's were in order. I would even suggest reapplying early this year to a wide range of schools (and by early I mean submit your AMCAS this month and turn in your secondaries ASAP). Since you don't have to worry about grades or the MCAT, you'll have the year free to work on those EC's. Best of luck to you, though I still think you have a chance to get in this month :luck:
 
I don't understand why you wouldn't apply to a wider range of schools?? and also, there are four medical schools in Florida, why would you only apply to two of them?? Your numbers are pretty awesome, so maybe it's interview skills you need to work on.
 
I think it's a shame that someone with your numbers didn't get an acceptance, but I think you stand a good shot if you apply again to a much broader range of schools. Also, start volunteering NOW and you can talk about your commitment in interviews. Good luck!
 
It is utterly sad and ridiculous given your MCAT of 38 that you didn't get in. Sorry to tell you this but you suck at interviewing and you probably come off either like a jerk, too nervous, or too apathetic.

Improve your interview skills and you probably will get accepted. Apply to DO and caribbean schools because you'll need the help.
 
Luck said:
It is utterly sad and ridiculous given your MCAT of 38 that you didn't get in. Sorry to tell you this but you suck at interviewing and you probably come off either like a jerk, too nervous, or too apathetic.

Improve your interview skills and you probably will get accepted. Apply to DO and caribbean schools because you'll need the help.

Wow. Awesome. Thanks.
 
Luck said:
It is utterly sad and ridiculous given your MCAT of 38 that you didn't get in. Sorry to tell you this but you suck at interviewing and you probably come off either like a jerk, too nervous, or too apathetic.

Improve your interview skills and you probably will get accepted. Apply to DO and caribbean schools because you'll need the help.

Excuse me, but do you know Mabdul? No, I didn't think so. Where do you come off giving that kind of advice to him and assuming that his personal skills are lacking? There are plenty of factors surrounding admissions to medical school. Bad timing, not showing enough motivation to go into medicine, lack of medically relevant encounters, or just bad luck...etc etc. MCAT is not the sole determinant. Furthermore, you're an envious a**hole and you wish you could score a 38. You SUCK.
 
Luck said:
It is utterly sad and ridiculous given your MCAT of 38 that you didn't get in. Sorry to tell you this but you suck at interviewing and you probably come off either like a jerk, too nervous, or too apathetic.

Improve your interview skills and you probably will get accepted. Apply to DO and caribbean schools because you'll need the help.

Unproductive. Probation.
 
Honestly, I don't get it. I think you should have gotten in at quite a few schools.

Apply again, apply wide, and do your best. I am confident that things will work out for you. How's your PS? I know you don't want to hear this, but you're plenty young and you will make it. YOu have come to far and worked to hard to ever settle.
 
I knew someone WAY back when (I applied for entering year '96) who had similar scores, a 4.0, excellent letters, blah blah blah. He was a GREAT guy, smart, personable, and I would have referred friends/family to him in a second. He got interviews all over, but NO acceptances. Everyone was shocked (really, even the pre-med office). The best we could figure was that he was unusual looking (he was very short, squeaky voice, and almost effiminate - he looked like an elf). I know that at least one person got turned down from one school because the dean was a homo-phobe. And I wouldn't be surprised if a bunch of people just weren't comfortable with his looks and voice (it wouldn't surprise me - I've seen people freak over the dumbest things). SO, looks can count against you. But, I heard that he was accepted the next year (don't know what he changed).

Did you chat with your pre-professional office about your experiences? Do they have any suggestions for improvements to your profile? I mean, the pre-prof office at my school was at a total loss to explain my friend above, but they may have some suggestions for you. Also, I'm not sure where you live, but state schools are often easier to get into. Did you apply to in-state schools?
 
Thanks to everyone for the help.

I've been mulling things over the past few days, and having thoroughly mulled, I think I am going to go for it this year. I guess what it comes down to is I really want to get in and get started, and if it doesn't happen for me in 2005, then I'll just do it all over again in 2006.

Now I got to get cracking on that PS... ****.
 
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