Back-up plan advice?

Started by aloughhe
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aloughhe

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I'm waitlisted at 2 schools, and I'm not giving up yet, but I'm trying to solidify a Plan B. If I don't get in, I want to reapply for next year. I want to take classes to erase any doubt about my slightly lower GPA. Any advice? I work at Emory and get classes for free, so should I take graduate classes, or re-take the pre-med classes I didn't do very well in?
 
aloughhe said:
I'm waitlisted at 2 schools, and I'm not giving up yet, but I'm trying to solidify a Plan B. If I don't get in, I want to reapply for next year. I want to take classes to erase any doubt about my slightly lower GPA. Any advice? I work at Emory and get classes for free, so should I take graduate classes, or re-take the pre-med classes I didn't do very well in?
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My first advice is to wait a year before reapplying. You get a second chance, but not a third, and you want to fix whatever kept you from getting in and have all those ducks in a row before you reapply. Then you can consult the schools that you didn't get into (if you got rejected by any schools, you can ask them now) and see what they think you need to do to improve your application. If you got below a C in an pre-req, definitely retake it. If you got Cs, you might be better off taking a more advanced science class in the same subject area.
 
aloughhe said:
I'm waitlisted at 2 schools, and I'm not giving up yet, but I'm trying to solidify a Plan B. If I don't get in, I want to reapply for next year. I want to take classes to erase any doubt about my slightly lower GPA. Any advice? I work at Emory and get classes for free, so should I take graduate classes, or re-take the pre-med classes I didn't do very well in?
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If you are planning on retaking classes and reapplying this year aren't you running a little late? Remember, it always helps to have your app in as early as possible. It may be better to just take a year of and reapply next year.
 
I agree with everyone else. If you were worried about your GPA, you should have been taking classes while applying in case you didn't get in. If you're just thinking about back-up plans and want to submit your AMCAS this year, not much may change from your application. I guess the best thing to do is to start taking summer classes ASAP. I hope one of your waitlists pull through. Good luck!
 
Is it true that you can only apply to med schools twice? You don't get a third chance?
 
I am waitlisted at one school. It looks over and done. I cannot wait another year to apply and wait. I am going to SMU on Grand Cayman in Jan 05.
IN 1 yr 8 mos your in Atlanta. How come Emory didn't accept you?
 
miragesea said:
Is it true that you can only apply to med schools twice? You don't get a third chance?
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No, I know several people who applied 3 times and was accepted.
 
Whether you can apply two or three times depends on the school. Some schools (UCLA comes to mind) say they discourage a third application and you have to get special permission to apply. Others could care less.
 
I would recommend taking grad classes instead of retaking old classes that you didn't do well in.
 
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