Accept or Reapply?

[mswegs]

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I got accepted into a school that wasn't my top choice, but made it very far along in the application process at my top choice school. Because I made it so far along I feel like if I improved my application by gaining some experience in the field I would have a greater chance of being excepted if I reapplied next year.
For all of you who are going to ask why I even applied to other schools if I had no intention in going... well I didn't expect to even get an interview invite at my top choice school. So I applied to other schools as backups. My goal has always been to get into my top choice (obviously). But, the fact that I was so close to getting in this year gives me hope that my odds will increase next year after gaining some experience.
So, my question is would it be crazy to decline the offer I received this year and reapply to my top choice next year?
I am stuck. This is a very difficult decision for me. I have always been one who stuck to my goals especially when I feel they are so attainable. If I accept this current offer I kind of feel like I will be settling and always wonder what would have happened if I reapplied. I know this is a risk, so I'm open to hearing anyone's opinions. Thanks!

 

[deleted205891]

I got accepted into a school that wasn't my top choice, but made it very far along in the application process at my top choice school. Because I made it so far along I feel like if I improved my application by gaining some experience in the field I would have a greater chance of being excepted if I reapplied next year.
For all of you who are going to ask why I even applied to other schools if I had no intention in going... well I didn't expect to even get an interview invite at my top choice school. So I applied to other schools as backups. My goal has always been to get into my top choice (obviously). But, the fact that I was so close to getting in this year gives me hope that my odds will increase next year after gaining some experience.
So, my question is would it be crazy to decline the offer I received this year and reapply to my top choice next year?
I am stuck. This is a very difficult decision for me. I have always been one who stuck to my goals especially when I feel they are so attainable. If I accept this current offer I kind of feel like I will be settling and always wonder what would have happened if I reapplied. I know this is a risk, so I'm open to hearing anyone's opinions. Thanks!

Unless one is UCSF or something along those lines and the other is a brand-new stand-alone unknown program, just go this year. The job market seems to be getting worse every year.

 

[Skrumpy]

I got accepted into a school that wasn't my top choice, but made it very far along in the application process at my top choice school. Because I made it so far along I feel like if I improved my application by gaining some experience in the field I would have a greater chance of being excepted if I reapplied next year.
For all of you who are going to ask why I even applied to other schools if I had no intention in going... well I didn't expect to even get an interview invite at my top choice school. So I applied to other schools as backups. My goal has always been to get into my top choice (obviously). But, the fact that I was so close to getting in this year gives me hope that my odds will increase next year after gaining some experience.
So, my question is would it be crazy to decline the offer I received this year and reapply to my top choice next year?
I am stuck. This is a very difficult decision for me. I have always been one who stuck to my goals especially when I feel they are so attainable. If I accept this current offer I kind of feel like I will be settling and always wonder what would have happened if I reapplied. I know this is a risk, so I'm open to hearing anyone's opinions. Thanks!

I was in a situation similar to yours. One of my schools was a newer school (my backup choice) and one a more established school (top choice). My backup school is newer (has not graduated their first class yet). I took a chance and declined that newer school without knowing whether or not I had gotten into my top choice. I did so because the more established school had too much to offer me (was a bit less expensive, more student organizations/activities, more prestigious, I wouldn't have to relocate, etc). In the end I got into my top choice, but I had resigned myself to the fact I would have to wait another year if I didn't. You really need to sit down and weigh the pros and cons of your decision. There are other considerations (such as future market concerns, wages lost from starting a year later, etc) that you will have to evaluate. I urge you to sit down and make a comprehensive list and see what works for you and not come to some Internet forum for advice from random people that aren't aware of your particular situation. I know your decision will be a tough one. Just know that once you decide on what works best for you, that you have made the right decision, so don't question yourself! Good luck!

 

[88888888]

Unless you have a way to improve your app during the year off, just accept (given it's accredited).

 

[mswegs]

Unless you have a way to improve your app during the year off, just accept (given it's accredited).

I currently have no pharmacy experience. If I were to gain experience (either by volunteering, job shadowing, or finding an actual job) my application would be much stronger, right? Although there is no way to be certain, I think that's what it came down to in the end when I was removed from the waitlist.

 

[mswegs]

I was in a situation similar to yours. One of my schools was a newer school (my backup choice) and one a more established school (top choice). My backup school is newer (has not graduated their first class yet). I took a chance and declined that newer school without knowing whether or not I had gotten into my top choice. I did so because the more established school had too much to offer me (was a bit less expensive, more student organizations/activities, more prestigious, I wouldn't have to relocate, etc). In the end I got into my top choice, but I had resigned myself to the fact I would have to wait another year if I didn't. You really need to sit down and weigh the pros and cons of your decision. There are other considerations (such as future market concerns, wages lost from starting a year later, etc) that you will have to evaluate. I urge you to sit down and make a comprehensive list and see what works for you and not come to some Internet forum for advice from random people that aren't aware of your particular situation. I know your decision will be a tough one. Just know that once you decide on what works best for you, that you have made the right decision, so don't question yourself! Good luck!

Yes, I completely agree that making a pros/cons list is essential. I did that and it helped, but still wanted to hear others' input. And trust me, I am not puting a huge weight on what others suggest. I only want to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation. Thank you for your advice🙂

 

[mswegs]

Unless one is UCSF or something along those lines and the other is a brand-new stand-alone unknown program, just go this year. The job market seems to be getting worse every year.

The job market is definitely a big concern. Although, if I were to get in to my top choice school (even a year later) I think I would have a much greater chance at finding a job due to the schools reputation and how well prepared I'll be after graduating from that school.

 

[Skrumpy]

I currently have no pharmacy experience. If I were to gain experience (either by volunteering, job shadowing, or finding an actual job) my application would be much stronger, right? Although there is no way to be certain, I think that's what it came down to in the end when I was removed from the waitlist.

Having no experience is a big gaping hole in your application. If you could get a tech job (even a casual one working odd hours) you would be able to put that you are licensed. You could also take the PTCB and be nationally certified. All of that would look really good. Not only would all of that look good on your application, it would really help you have a more meaningful conversation with your interviewer about pharmacy. It will also help you beef up your PS. I couldn't give you more insight without really seeing all of your other information (GPA, ECs, PS, etc). Feel free to PM me though if you wish.

The job market is definitely a big concern. Although, if I were to get in to my top choice school (even a year later) I think I would have a much greater chance at finding a job due to the schools reputation and how well prepared I'll be after graduating from that school.

Yea, this was my conundrum as well. There really is no comparison between a new school or established top ranked school. Unless you plan on going straight into retail and don't mind moving to BFE I would not recommend going to a newer school. A new school will simply not have the variety of activities to engage in as a student. In the end this will likely hurt you if you want to do a residency. Again a comprehensive list is really the only way to go to determine the best course of action.