Medical Denying Acceptance

[GoSpursGo]

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This past cycle, I was offered acceptance to my state school. I want to deny that offer and reapply for a few reasons:

1. Family (primarily my grandparents) were a large draw for staying in Upstate NY for medical school. They have since passed away rather unexpectedly.
2. I have learned a lot about what I want from a medical school and about what different medical schools offer since applying and this school's curriculum is not ideal.
3. While I was applying last year, I had cancer, my life was completely rearranged due to the pandemic (and my medical bills), I took over an understaffed rescue squad, I had to take care of my ill grandparents, and much more, so I know that my application will be much stronger and more focused this year.
4. Since my application, I have gained thousands of hours treating Upstate New York patients both as an EMT and a physician shadow and want to experience new patient populations.
5. Because of the pandemic, my graduate research will likely need to be extended, so I would have had to defer for a year anyways, so why not try for a school with the curriculum and patient population I am looking for?

I am very confident in my decision to deny acceptance to this school, but am concerned that several individuals who are editing my application say that this is a huge red flag. Do I need to address this somewhere? If so, what are some things I should or shouldn't say?

Yes, it’s a pretty big red flag to turn down an acceptance. I’m sure you think you have some good reasons to turn down the acceptance, but bottom line I read that you think you can do better because you’ve had a very productive year. There honestly isn’t a great way to spin that.

I know this isn’t the question you were asking, but I think it would be a major error to turn down your acceptance. At the end of the day your stats are just “fine,” and if asked whether you have previously applied/been accepted to Med school I don’t think you have a good answer to the question. Every year we get posts from applicants with even stronger stats wondering why they have not gotten any acceptances, please take this opportunity and run. You can always do something different for residency in the future.

 

[Goro]

Turning down an acceptance is the single worst mistake a pre-med can make.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Ask for a deferral if you want a break but don't spend any more money trying to apply if you have an offer. No guarantee you will get your deferral... but don't throw away your shot.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Your state school's curriculum where you have been accepted is better than not getting an acceptance on your reapp next year. I would absolutely NOT skip out on your chance after a MD acceptance.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I don't doubt that you are correct, but I'm shocked that changing my mind about what I want out of a medical school is that detrimental. Seems so common to reapply that I never thought it would be bad to reapply even with an acceptance.

This is why every applicant is advised to know those expectations first before you spend your money and everyone's time to review your application. It is what we expect of professionals.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Let me ask it in this way then--what percentage risk for never becoming a doctor (or going to a WORSE school) would be acceptable in exchange for a chance to go to a different school? Because that risk is not zero. Or what if you are able to get into a "better" school, but it takes 3 more years instead of one more? Would that be worth it?

While judging from your WAMC post, your chances of getting admitted are probably reasonably good, sometimes the dice come up snake eyes. You've also dug yourself a hole because some percentage of adcom members are going to have the same response you're seeing here when you tell them that you were previously accepted and turned it down--why waste an interview slot on someone who doesn't seem 100% sure they want to go to med school?

This isn't some unknown DO school where you may have legitimate concerns about the education you will receive. Nor do you have any real reason why you can't live in Upstate New York (like, say, a spouse who got a new job who now can't move) , you just don't want to. Upstate is a solid school and you can absolutely pursue whatever career path you desire coming from there. You are risking a lot if you turn down this acceptance, and doing so will turn off some percentage of prospective schools, which is why none of us can recommend you go down this path.

If you insist on doing this, then honestly I would not specifically address it unless directly asked, as you shouldn't draw attention to a negative. And even then I would be pretty vague about your reasons. They just do not come across well.

 

[MusicDOc124]

I personally do not recommend this.

Request a deferral and re-evaluate, but understand that with a deferral you cannot reapply during that time. Referrals are also not always granted and are situation dependent.

Do understand that this is a guarantee. Denying it and re-applying is not only not a guarantee, but you will have an added red flag as pointed out.

Do also realize that while it may not be ideal as you see it currently, medical school is temporary, and much of the final year is spent on electives and interviewing anyway. You will also be studying a lot in 1st and 2nd, that where you are is relatively relative.

In my opinion, I think you should keep the acceptance, or as I stated above and as well as others stated, request a deferral and take the year if granted to made a decision understanding that you can't reapply during the year with the deferral.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Understandable. I certainly had all intentions of attending there if accepted and was still deeply invested in the school during the interview. I was even very early apartment hunting online with one of my friends who goes there. I'm sure it may not seem like it to you all, but my life has changed quite a lot since then. Perhaps not enough to validate reapplication, though. I will certainly take your words into consideration. Thank you for your honesty.

I would talk to someone in admissions or student services at the institution where you were accepted then. Don't turn down the offer you have. Schools who have taken so much effort to accept you don't want you flying away without knowing why.