Apply this year or be a reapplicant?

[doctor in da makin]

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I am being forced by my parents to apply to medical school this year. The problem is, I was planning all along to take a gap year to improve my resume.

No matter how much I tried to tell them about the good SMP programs can do, how bad Caribbean schools are, and how I'm not the strongest applicant I can be right now, they don't want me to "waste" another year.

I have a 3.1 overall GPA, and a 2.9 science which is not great. My MCAT was subpar, 498. I probably wouldn't accept someone like me this year if I were in Admissions. I will most certainly not get in this year, I know this.

I have the determination, and a plan to retake classes this year and use the grade replacement policy to my advantage. I fully expect and don't think it is at all crazy for me to have a 3.3 overall and a 3.1 science GPA after Spring 2016. I will also have 100+ researching, 100+ shadowing hrs, and more work experience by then. My first question is: I know its hypothetical, but how would I be as a candidate to DO schools then?

My parents though, want me to apply THIS year. And they will not budge.

My second question is: Should I just apply this year? I know I'll most likely be a reapplicant next year, but I will have improved my application significantly and my parents will get off my back. Is it worth it?

If so, please give me a list of DO schools that I have the "best" chance for, no matter how small the list! (I'm being forced to apply to SGU and Ross already)

 

[SpartanWolverine]

You will not get into any US MD school with those scores. A 3.1 cGPA with a sub-3.0 sGPA in conjunction with 498 (=24 on the old exam) is lethal. Even if you had a 520+ (35+) you would unfortunately not get any acceptances -- the GPA just is not high enough.

If you retake F/D/C science coursework, get up to a 3.3, and think about re-taking the MCAT, you have a good chance for DO schools. Do you have any volunteer hours?

I would not recommend applying this year. If you are being "forced" to, you may have some chance at the lowest tier DO schools depending on your demographics and other application components. I expect you'll have no problem with SGU and Ross.

 

[doctor in da makin]

You will not get into any US MD school with those scores. A 3.1 cGPA with a sub-3.0 sGPA in conjunction with 498 (=24 on the old exam) is lethal. Even if you had a 520+ (35+) you would unfortunately not get any acceptances -- the GPA just is not high enough.

If you retake F/D/C science coursework, get up to a 3.3, and think about re-taking the MCAT, you have a good chance for DO schools. Do you have any volunteer hours?

I would not recommend applying this year. If you are being "forced" to, you may have some chance at the lowest tier DO schools depending on your demographics and other application components. I expect you'll have no problem with SGU and Ross.

Unfortunately, volunteering is virtually nonexistent at this point.

Would you want to name those lower tier schools?

 

[LuluLovesMe]

You should not be applying anywhere this year. What will your parents do if you don't apply? Can you lie about applying?

 

[SpartanWolverine]

I'm not good at keeping up with what the MCAT and GPA averages are at various DO schools and where you might fall above the bottom 10th percentile. @Goro might be able to name a few places to apply, but I expect he would advise you to retake coursework and apply during a later cycle.

 

[LuluLovesMe]

I'm not good at keeping up with what the MCAT and GPA averages are at various DO schools and where you might fall above the bottom 10th percentile. @Goro might be able to name a few places to apply, but I expect he would advise you to retake coursework and apply during a later cycle.

ACOM BCOM KYCOM MUCOM come to mind

 

[doctor in da makin]

You should not be applying anywhere this year. What will your parents do if you don't apply? Can you lie about applying?

I was thinking about applying to SGU and Ross just to appease them. That way I could be "an accepted student" in their eyes and I won't have the reapplicant label for US schools.

However, because I have no intention of going to the Caribbean, would I be able to defer my acceptance if I got accepted?

 

[doctor in da makin]

I'm not good at keeping up with what the MCAT and GPA averages are at various DO schools and where you might fall above the bottom 10th percentile. @Goro might be able to name a few places to apply, but I expect he would advise you to retake coursework and apply during a later cycle.

I don't have a DO LOR, either. Could I send in my AACOMAS first, and then send those letters? (I got all the other LORs though)

 

[LuluLovesMe]

I was thinking about applying to SGU and Ross just to appease them. That way I could be "an accepted student" in their eyes and I won't have the reapplicant label for US schools.

However, because I have no intention of going to the Caribbean, would I be able to defer my acceptance if I got accepted?

What proof would they require of you applying. You could probably just fake acceptance into a low tier DO school but actually apply next year.

 

[LuluLovesMe]

I don't have a DO LOR, either. Could I send in my AACOMAS first, and then send those letters? (I got all the other LORs though)

OP just to be clear, your sGPA coupled with the low MCAT will give you slim to no chances of getting accepted in a DO school. Do not apply this year.

 

[doctor in da makin]

I already know that I had almost no chance of getting in this year. My question is, would it be that bad to be a reapplicant next cycle? I will have improved my application significantly by then; I'm not just going to be sitting around.

Also, please answer this question:
Can the DO LOR be sent in after the AACOMAS is completed?

 

[22031 Alum]

OP, what would the consequences be if you just told your parents "No"?? I understand that depending on your culture, that could be absolutely unacceptable, and you may not be at a point where you feel you CAN do it (what 20 year old who loves their parents wants to alienate them?). But this whole system is set up in a way that your current approach can only be harmful to your overall prospects.

 

[gyngyn]

Knowingly submitting a very weak application is self destructive.
Tell your parents that many fine schools will ask if you have ever applied to any medical school (including DO and international. What will you put in the explanation box? My Mommy made me?

 

[doctor in da makin]

OP, what would the consequences be if you just told your parents "No"?? I understand that depending on your culture, that could be absolutely unacceptable, and you may not be at a point where you feel you CAN do it (what 20 year old who loves their parents wants to alienate them?). But this whole system is set up in a way that your current approach can only be harmful to your overall prospects.

Knowingly submitting a very weak application is self destructive.
Tell your parents that many fine schools will ask if you have ever applied to any medical school (including DO and international. What will you put in the explanation box? My Mommy made me?

Thanks for your responses. Ok let me throw out 2 scenarios here, and tell me what could go wrong.

Option 1: I apply only to Caribbean schools just to keep my parents calm. However, I defer the acceptance (I made it clear to my parents that I'm not going overseas) while building up my application for US Schools for the next cycle. Answer this question please: Would a US School consider me as a re-applicant (in the next cycle)then?

Option 2: I apply to DO schools and the Caribbean as a backup. I get rejected from all the schools, but during the entire year, I build up my application (retake classes, research,shadow, and work) to apply in June 2016. I know its bad to be a reapplicant, but I can show them how much I've grown so that it won't be as troublesome, right?


What should I do?

 

[gyngyn]

Applying with a bad application makes you look like a fool (someone who does not seek or take good advice).
We are keeping records of old aps now that they are electronic. I'll bet the DO schools are as well.
Even the schools where you are not a reapplicant are likely to ask about previous applications. What will you say?

 

[doctor in da makin]

Applying with a bad application makes you look like a fool (someone who does not seek or take good advice).
We are keeping records of old aps now that they are electronic. I'll bet the DO schools are as well.
Even the schools where you are not a reapplicant are likely to ask about previous applications. What will you say?

I'm just looking at all sides. I didn't want to apply this year, but sadly I'm being pressured to do so. I don't want my parents to hate me and I don't want to face almost certain rejection. Feeling trapped right now.

So are you saying even if I showed growth and improvement in the next cycle, I'd still be at at a significant disadvantage as a reapplicant?

 

[gyngyn]

I'm just looking at all sides.

Look at it from our side for a moment.
What kind of person applies with a clearly unacceptable application?
I'll get you started:
Poorly informed (or doesn't understand the importance of doing research before a serious decision).
Doesn't take good advice (or can't recognize it).
So special that the rules don't apply to them (or delusional/grandiose).
Can't stand up to parental pressure (immature). This can include those who don't really want to be a physician.
More money than sense.

I could go on, but you get the picture. Even if the application has improved, how do we know how much improvement the applicant's judgement has made?

 

[soadhead]

Apply at Harvard, Stanford, Hopkins, Yale, and any other school that you have no chance of getting an II. That way when you apply for real next year, you don't have to worry about being a reapplicant to the schools you actually have a chance at.

 

[Goro]

I recommend

KYCOM
ACOM
BCPM
LMU
WM CAREY

ALL 3 VCOMS
PCOM GA
MUCOM
LECOM
LECOM B

Get you parents an account on SDN, so they can see the damage they're doing to your medical career in their ignorance.
You're an adult now. You're old enough to vote, drink, drive, smoke, work, pay taxes, and fight and die for your country. You're thus old enough tomorrow a spine and tell your parents that you'll apply to med school on your terms, not theirs.

If they're so insistent on having you apply to the Caribbean, tell them that it will be faster and more efficient to simply set their money on fire than flushing it down the toilet.

EDIT; with no volunteering, you're NOT going to med school.

Your parents will NOT hate you. It's a time for some growing up, though.

I recommend moving out and joining the armed forces. You can work on GPA repair at CCs or online.

I am being forced by my parents to apply to medical school this year. The problem is, I was planning all along to take a gap year to improve my resume.

No matter how much I tried to tell them about the good SMP programs can do, how bad Caribbean schools are, and how I'm not the strongest applicant I can be right now, they don't want me to "waste" another year.

I have a 3.1 overall GPA, and a 2.9 science which is not great. My MCAT was subpar, 498. I probably wouldn't accept someone like me this year if I were in Admissions. I will most certainly not get in this year, I know this.

I have the determination, and a plan to retake classes this year and use the grade replacement policy to my advantage. I fully expect and don't think it is at all crazy for me to have a 3.3 overall and a 3.1 science GPA after Spring 2016. I will also have 100+ researching, 100+ shadowing hrs, and more work experience by then. My first question is: I know its hypothetical, but how would I be as a candidate to DO schools then?

My parents though, want me to apply THIS year. And they will not budge.

My second question is: Should I just apply this year? I know I'll most likely be a reapplicant next year, but I will have improved my application significantly and my parents will get off my back. Is it worth it?

If so, please give me a list of DO schools that I have the "best" chance for, no matter how small the list! (I'm being forced to apply to SGU and Ross already)

 

[LuluLovesMe]

You're old enough to vote, drink, drive, smoke, work, pay taxes, and fight and die for your country.

Gotta add this to the list of Goroisms

 

[doctor in da makin]

I recommend

KYCOM
ACOM
BCPM
LMU
WM CAREY

ALL 3 VCOMS
PCOM GA
MUCOM
LECOM
LECOM B

Get you parents an account on SDN, so they can see the damage they're doing to your medical career in their ignorance.
You're an adult now. You're old enough to vote, drink, drive, smoke, work, pay taxes, and fight and die for your country. You're thus old enough tomorrow a spine and tell your parents that you'll apply to med school on your terms, not theirs.

If they're so insistent on having you apply to the Caribbean, tell them that it will be faster and more efficient to simply set their money on fire than flushing it down the toilet.

EDIT; with no volunteering, you're NOT going to med school.

Your parents will NOT hate you. It's a time for some growing up, though.

I recommend moving out and joining the armed forces. You can work on GPA repair at CCs or online.

As for my parents, I won't budge and neither will they. Anyway, I had a slight upward trend from my first two years (0nly a 2.7 sGPA). My junior year was 3.3 oGPA and 3.1 sGPA.

How would a 3.3 oGPA and 3.1 sGPA applicant with a 498 MCAT, with an upward trend of a 3.6 senior year GPA and a 3.3 junior year GPA look for DO schools?

I already have all my LORs, except from a DO, which I will get. This is my goal and I will complete my AMCAS June 1st, without any delay.

 

[Goro]

Reject bait at my school, but if you apply broadly, especially targeting the newest schools, you might get some love.

How would a 3.3 oGPA and 3.1 sGPA applicant with a 498 MCAT, with an upward trend of a 3.6 senior year GPA and a 3.3 junior year GPA look for DO schools?

I already have all my LORs, except from a DO, which I will get. This is my goal and I will complete my AMCAS June 1st, without any delay.

 

[doctor in da makin]

Reject bait at my school, but if you apply broadly, especially targeting the newest schools, you might get some love.

So you're saying that even I achieve my best case scenario, it'll still be a maybe for the next cycle?

 

[candbgirl]

It might be your MCAT. A 498=around a 24. That's pretty low for some DO schools. Your upward trend seems good but it won't really help your MCAT. And it's not AMCAS that you complete for DO.

 

[doctor in da makin]

It might be your MCAT. A 498=around a 24. That's pretty low for some DO schools. Your upward trend seems good but it won't really help your MCAT. And it's not AMCAS that you complete for DO.

It's AACOMAS, I know. My mistake. I just wish I had some faith from my parents. I told them that my GPA is on the upward trend since last year, and will continue this year.

Their response: They are threatening to fill out the application forms for me because I won't. They want to be able to tell friends and family that their son is in (any) medical school, no matter how unhappy I would be at the Caribbean.

Absolutely ridiculous and totally unreasonable.

 

[LuluLovesMe]

It's AACOMAS, I know. My mistake. I just wish I had some faith from my parents. I told them that my GPA is on the upward trend since last year, and will continue this year.

Their response: They are threatening to fill out the application forms for me because I won't. They want to be able to tell friends and family that their son is in (any) medical school, no matter how unhappy I would be at the Caribbean.

Absolutely ridiculous and totally unreasonable.

What is wrong with them? They only care about whether you are in medical school and are willing to jeopardize your future for that.

Do you actually want to go to medical school yourself? Is there nothing else you could see yourself doing?

 

[doctor in da makin]

What is wrong with them? They only care about whether you are in medical school and are willing to jeopardize your future for that.

Do you actually want to go to medical school yourself? Is there nothing else you could see yourself doing?

I absolutely do want to go, just not this year. I do wonder at times though if I would have gone down a different path if they had no influence on me.

 

[torontopharm]

.

 

[ChrisMack390]

OP there is a point in everyone's life where they need to (respectfully) tell their parents to mind their own business. Your time is now.

 

[Goro]

This.

OP there is a point in everyone's life where they need to (respectfully) tell their parents to mind their own business. Your time is now.

 

[Goro]

Yes. And what are your parents going to do, send your transcripts and LOR'S in themselves???

So you're saying that even I achieve my best case scenario, it'll still be a maybe for the next cycle?

 

[dreee]

I am being forced by my parents to apply to medical school this year. The problem is, I was planning all along to take a gap year to improve my resume.

No matter how much I tried to tell them about the good SMP programs can do, how bad Caribbean schools are, and how I'm not the strongest applicant I can be right now, they don't want me to "waste" another year.

I have a 3.1 overall GPA, and a 2.9 science which is not great. My MCAT was subpar, 498. I probably wouldn't accept someone like me this year if I were in Admissions. I will most certainly not get in this year, I know this.

I have the determination, and a plan to retake classes this year and use the grade replacement policy to my advantage. I fully expect and don't think it is at all crazy for me to have a 3.3 overall and a 3.1 science GPA after Spring 2016. I will also have 100+ researching, 100+ shadowing hrs, and more work experience by then. My first question is: I know its hypothetical, but how would I be as a candidate to DO schools then?

My parents though, want me to apply THIS year. And they will not budge.

My second question is: Should I just apply this year? I know I'll most likely be a reapplicant next year, but I will have improved my application significantly and my parents will get off my back. Is it worth it?

If so, please give me a list of DO schools that I have the "best" chance for, no matter how small the list! (I'm being forced to apply to SGU and Ross already)

Hey I don't know the relationship you have with your parents, but my parents also "forced" me to apply to med school last year, and I told them no. And I didn't. And I was so happy I did not. I was accepted this year, after a year of strengthening my application as well as my MCAT score and I've had 2 IIs so far, one acceptance.

One of the schools I interviewed at has had over 9,000 applicants for only 350 interview spots. If you honestly know that you could be a better applicant in a year, even a little, why in the world would you apply this year? I told my parents, I will not sell myself short. If I have the opportunity to strengthen myself, that's what I'm going to do.

I would sit your parents down and explain to them why it may be a waste to apply this year. What may happen is you may get into a Carib med school thus forfeiting your opportunity to get into a US med school if you had just strengthened your application for one year. If you get that Carib acceptance, it sounds like your parents would make you go there. Not trying to speak ill of Carib med schools, but you will have larger hurdles being a IMG that, in my opinion, is not worth it. As everyone has said, stand up to your parents. What can they possibly do? Get mad? And so what if they do??

I never argue with my mom, and the only blow up we had was when I told her I was not applying to med school last year. And guess..what she got over it. Took her a few months..but she did. I got my acceptance this year without the stigma of being a reapplicant, saved myself over $11,000 for daily expenses in med school and have matured in the process. I saved myself money and the emotional distress for the rejections I would have gotten last year. Even my parents agreed it was better I waited a year.

 

[whatever5]

Oooh girl, this does not look good. I would not apply under any circumstances. You will look somewhat delusional submitting that application (especially this late) and you'll be labeled as a reapplicant which arbitrarily hurts your chances at many schools. If your parents continue to insist, just tell them you applied and got rejected from everywhere. You can use the money they give you for application fees to get an MCAT tutor.

 

[Mwooster]

I have a 3.1 overall GPA, and a 2.9 science which is not great.

Wow, those numbers are not great? shocker of the century!

All kidding aside, you really should not be applying this cycle. Almost a suicide mission

 

[Mwooster]

Hey I don't know the relationship you have with your parents, but my parents also "forced" me to apply to med school last year, and I told them no. And I didn't. And I was so happy I did not. I was accepted this year, after a year of strengthening my application as well as my MCAT score and I've had 2 IIs so far, one acceptance.

One of the schools I interviewed at has had over 9,000 applicants for only 350 interview spots. If you honestly know that you could be a better applicant in a year, even a little, why in the world would you apply this year? I told my parents, I will not sell myself short. If I have the opportunity to strengthen myself, that's what I'm going to do.

I would sit your parents down and explain to them why it may be a waste to apply this year. What may happen is you may get into a Carib med school thus forfeiting your opportunity to get into a US med school if you had just strengthened your application for one year. If you get that Carib acceptance, it sounds like your parents would make you go there. Not trying to speak ill of Carib med schools, but you will have larger hurdles being a IMG that, in my opinion, is not worth it. As everyone has said, stand up to your parents. What can they possibly do? Get mad? And so what if they do??

I never argue with my mom, and the only blow up we had was when I told her I was not applying to med school last year. And guess..what she got over it. Took her a few months..but she did. I got my acceptance this year without the stigma of being a reapplicant, saved myself over $11,000 for daily expenses in med school and have matured in the process. I saved myself money and the emotional distress for the rejections I would have gotten last year. Even my parents agreed it was better I waited a year.

Congrats, bud! Which school did you get accepted?

 

[dreee]

Congrats, bud! Which school did you get accepted?

Thanks, I got into LECOM! What about you??

 

[doctor in da makin]

OP there is a point in everyone's life where they need to (respectfully) tell their parents to mind their own business. Your time is now.

I agree. The thing is, I have been telling them for weeks and every day they tell me to fill out the AACOMAS. It's like they learned nothing after I try to educate them.

 

[candbgirl]

How old are you? Do you live at home? Do you have a job or are you completely dependent on your parents for support? If you can hold out another couple of weeks it will be too late to apply. Problem solved.

 

[Mwooster]

Thanks, I got into LECOM! What about you??

Nice! Always nice to find out early

UMD!

 

[dreee]

Nice! Always nice to find out early

UMD!

Yes it is, it's a big sigh of relief. And congrats to you as well 🙂))).

 

[dreee]

How old are you? Do you live at home? Do you have a job or are you completely dependent on your parents for support? If you can hold out another couple of weeks it will be too late to apply. Problem solved.

I also second this. I guess it's important to know if you live with them. It was easier for me to fight against my parents because they have almost no financial responsibilities to me. I pay my own car payments/rent/insurance, file my own taxes. The only thing they pay is my cellphone bill. And although my parents offered to help, I was going to pay for all my med school apps.

 

[doctor in da makin]

I'm in a similar situation, though the pressure from my parents probably isn't as bad.
You might be my statistical twin 😱 I have similar GPA, slightly lower MCAT (497), No DO letter, and an upward trend (3.6 and 3.9 in my Junior/Senior year).
I lied to them...told 'em i already applied this cycle and waiting to hear back. Ultimately it's YOUR career/life. You do what you gotta do to make it happen, regardless of what others tell you.

Are you going to get a letter from a DO?

 

[doctor in da makin]

I also second this. I guess it's important to know if you live with them. It was easier for me to fight against my parents because they have almost no financial responsibilities to me. I pay my own car payments/rent/insurance, file my own taxes. The only thing they pay is my cellphone bill. And although my parents offered to help, I was going to pay for all my med school apps.

21 and I do live with them. They pay for almost all my expenses. Not sure if that changes things...

 

[doctor in da makin]

I recommend

KYCOM
ACOM
BCPM
LMU
WM CAREY

ALL 3 VCOMS
PCOM GA
MUCOM
LECOM
LECOM B


EDIT; with no volunteering, you're NOT going to med school.

Goro, if I had volunteering hours, would I have had a decent shot at those schools?

And if I may, which one of those should have been my #1 option school?

 

[torontopharm]

Are you going to get a letter from a DO?

Yes..given i find one.
We rarely have them here so i'll have to drive across the border to get my shadowing done. Plan is to get it done by December before snow hits.

 

[Goro]

Yes; any one of them.

Goro, if I had volunteering hours, would I have had a decent shot at those schools?

And if I may, which one of those should have been my #1 option school?

 

[Doug Underhill]

Does he still have to check the "reapplicant" box on AMCAS if he sent a throwaway app filled with red flags to St. Caribbean to keep his parents happy?

 

[GrapesofRath]

Does he still have to check the "reapplicant" box on AMCAS if he sent a throwaway app filled with red flags to St. Caribbean to keep his parents happy?

It's only to schools you are a re-applicant for. Some schools have secondary prompts that have asked if you have applied to medical school previously. That's where you release that rather unfortunate information. Having said, that I know gonnif has said the impact of being a "re-applicant" is definitely less at schools where you are applying for the first time but just ask about general re-app status vs schools you are directly applying again to for the second time.

 

[Doug Underhill]

Here's how Stanford phrases the question:

8. Are you a re-applicant to the Stanford University School of Medicine? Note: Applicants who withdraw prior to the AMCAS verification process are not considered re-applicants.

Rochester, on the other hand, phrases it like this:

If you applied to any medical schools before, for what entering year(s)?
If you have ever applied to the University of Rochester School of Medicine, indicate the entering year and final disposition of your application.

Case Western's prompt is more like Rochester's:

2. Previous Applications: Any Medical School?
Have you previously applied for admission to any Medical School?

In this case (excuse the pun), the throwaway app to the Caribbean would count against the applicant. It seems like a bad idea.

Hofstra, on the other hand, doesn't ask anything about prior applications. There's nothing on the secondary about it. In my experience, most schools will ask if you have ever applied to med school before, although many just want to know if it's their own.

 

[ConfusedChemist]

You don't need a gap year to improve your resume-you need an SMP to fix your GPA

The resume means next to nothing if you can't show you have the mental capability to handle med school with it