Does it hurt to apply twice?

[WhizoMD]

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I was just looking over my schedule, and realized that with a bit of manipulation I could easily graduate in 3.5 years instead of 4. Since I started college during the spring '08 semester it would mean that I could apply during the summer 2010 cycle(graduate in 3.5), and (assuming I don't get in) the summer 2011 cycle(stay the extra semester). So both options would allow for little downtime between ugrad and med school (which is what I want).

My application during the summer 2010 cycle would be pretty weak:

~3.48 cGpa , ~3.65 sGpa , with a huge upward trend(first semester 2 D's one F, rest all A's and A-)
But by that time only prereqs and some humanities would be done, no upper division work aside from a couple bio classes.

MCAT: High 20's maybe low 30's?, I would only have a few months to study, and that would be while taking some prereqs(physics, ochem), so I'm sure I wouldn't do as well as I could under my original plan. (start studying summer 2010 and take it January 2011)

Volunteering/Shadowing: Would be whatever I could get done between now and then, so about 1 year of clinical voulunteering and maybe a few weeks of shadowing.

LOR's: I'd have a comittee letter, but my individual letters (aside frome 1), would be pretty weak at that point. (I'm assuming)

EC's: whatever I could get done between now and then, so nothing really meainingful.

URM/Disadvantaged: Yes

I don't really think I would get in during that cycle, so my main question is:

Would it hurt my chances during the summer 2011 cycle, if I applied during the summer 2010 with a weaker pieced together app.?

 

[AdemTD]

I was just looking over my schedule, and realized that with a bit of manipulation I could easily graduate in 3.5 years instead of 4. Since I started college during the spring '08 semester it would mean that I could apply during the summer 2010 cycle(graduate in 3.5), and (assuming I don't get in) the summer 2011 cycle(stay the extra semester). So both options would allow for little downtime between ugrad and med school (which is what I want).

My application during the summer 2010 cycle would be pretty weak:

~3.48 cGpa , ~3.65 sGpa , with a huge upward trend(first semester 2 D's one F, rest all A's and A-)
But by that time only prereqs and some humanities would be done, no upper division work aside from a couple bio classes.

MCAT: High 20's maybe low 30's?, I would only have a few months to study, and that would be while taking some prereqs(physics, ochem), so I'm sure I wouldn't do as well as I could under my original plan. (start studying summer 2010 and take it January 2011)

Volunteering/Shadowing: Would be whatever I could get done between now and then, so about 1 year of clinical voulunteering and maybe a few weeks of shadowing.

LOR's: I'd have a comittee letter, but my individual letters (aside frome 1), would be pretty weak at that point. (I'm assuming)

EC's: whatever I could get done between now and then, so nothing really meainingful.

URM/Disadvantaged: Yes

I don't really think I would get in during that cycle, so my main question is:

Would it hurt my chances during the summer 2011 cycle, if I applied during the summer 2010 with a weaker pieced together app.?

If your MCAT score ends up anything near 30, I think you will have a good shot with your disadvantaged status, however, the lack of ECs is going to hurt. With respect to your original question, no, I don't think it hurts at most schools to apply twice, especially if you significantly improve your application over the next year.

 

[FlowLimited]

Better to do it once and do it right.

 

[WhizoMD]

bump. anymore opinions? 🙂

 

[nick_carraway]

Better to do it once and do it right.

I wholeheartedly agree. No further advice needed.

My question is why on Earth apply if you know that it'll be a weak application with "high 20's" MCAT?

 

[Brent8927]

I agree as well that you should wait. You say you know you will have a weak application, so why not wait until you have a strong one? You may get an acceptance, but you could probably get into a more competitive school if you wait.

 

[spike22]

You should apply when you have your strongest application. The whole process is long and arduous. No sense in putting forth a hodge podge app. Apply strong once!

 

[Lukkie]

bump. anymore opinions? 🙂

Better to do it once and do it right.

 

[Excelsius]

Better to do it once and do it right.

At the same time, reapplicants show a certain degree of determination that I don't think can do anything by help. Just make sure that if you apply to the same schools, you do improve your profile noticeably. Some of the higher end schools might have a limit as to how many times you can apply. I think it's two or three times max at a place like Harvard, etc.

 

[FlowLimited]

Better to do it once and do it right.

Is there an echo in here?

 

[nick_carraway]

Is there an echo in here?

Nah Lukkie just said it louder since the OP didn't hear it the first time.

 

[dr seuss]

.

 

[LizzyM]

There are costs associated with the application cycle, the time you take to complete the applications that could be used in some other way, and there is the emotional toll of waiting and rejection.

I wouldn't spend the money and the time and ride the emotional rollercoaster unless I thought I had a good chance of being admitted.

 

[FlowLimited]

Everyone on here says to wait and just do it once, but my state school accepts a lot of people the second time they apply. After being rejected you can meet with the committee, and they will tell you why you didn't get in and what you can do to improve. If you do what they tell you, you have a really good chance of getting in the next year.

Because why put yourself through twice the stress and bear twice the financial burden if you don't have to?

 

[Excelsius]

Because why put yourself through twice the stress and bear twice the financial burden if you don't have to?

Unless you're applying for fee waivers...

No one should apply if there is any doubt that one might not have a shot - it will show in your application and the lack of effort. I think that people want to apply to medschool as soon as possible because while it is stressful, every year that you spend out of medschool is another year of your life that can't be returned. Medschool+residency/fellowship can take 11 years or more for some people and you don't want to be too old before you can start practicing.

 

[shemarty]

Better to do it once and do it right.

Better to do it once and do it right.

I agree as well that you should wait.

You should apply when you have your strongest application. Apply strong once!

I wouldn't spend the money and the time and ride the emotional rollercoaster unless I thought I had a good chance of being admitted.

Better to do it once and do it right.

 

[WhizoMD]

Because why put yourself through twice the stress and bear twice the financial burden if you don't have to?

I'd qualify for fee waivers, so the only cost would be the odd secondary, and travel to potential interviews. As far as stress goes the first cycle wouldn't be stressful at all for me since I wouldn't really be expecting much out of it. I just wanted to see if it would look bad to have the lower mcat score on record and reapplicant status the second time around.

 

[shemarty]

I just wanted to see if it would look bad to have the lower mcat score on record and reapplicant status the second time around.

LizzyM, correct me if I'm wrong here, but I think the answer is "yes".

Yes, it would look "bad" to have the lower MCAT score on record and the reapplicant status when you apply the second time around.

Applying to med school isn't like taking the SAT, where you can take it 3 times and nobody really cares. You shouldn't apply to med school lightly, just to see what happens. Even if fee wavers make it free, you shouldn't apply without giving it your all.

It's been said 5-6 times already, but ... apply once and do it right!

If you're determined to ignore all of our advice, I guess we should stop trying to convince you.

 

[FlowLimited]

I'd qualify for fee waivers, so the only cost would be the odd secondary, and travel to potential interviews. As far as stress goes the first cycle wouldn't be stressful at all for me since I wouldn't really be expecting much out of it. I just wanted to see if it would look bad to have the lower mcat score on record and reapplicant status the second time around.

This is absurd, but it's clear that you're already set on applying for the heck of it. I hope it works out.

 

[shnuffles]

I kinda feel like its better to apply once and to do it right?😀 The sheer time it takes to apply will make it a stressful process. I didn't apply to anywhere near as many schools as many other people on SDN did, but the essays, phone calls to admissions offices, preping for interviews, etc. took so much longer than I ever could have imagined! This is especially important to consider if you are expecting to reapply- this all amounts to less time and energy to put into improving your application for the next cycle!!!

 

[LizzyM]

Some schools will average your two (or three) MCAT scores so taking it more than once can hurt you compared with doing it once and doing very well.


Applying with a poorer application (compared with what you'll have a year later) could get you an admission but to a less highly regarded school and with less financial aid than might come your way if you have an outstanding application. Then you'll be here asking, "should I decline the offer and reapply because my application is stronger now?" and everyone will say, "no, take the offer and be glad you have it."

 

[Excelsius]

Some schools will average your two (or three) MCAT scores so taking it more than once can hurt you compared with doing it once and doing very well.


Applying with a poorer application (compared with what you'll have a year later) could get you an admission but to a less highly regarded school and with less financial aid than might come your way if you have an outstanding application. Then you'll be here asking, "should I decline the offer and reapply because my application is stronger now?" and everyone will say, "no, take the offer and be glad you have it."

That is a good point, but law2doc will drop in soon and say that school name doesn't matter at all.

 

[ModyzMalak]

I was just looking over my schedule, and realized that with a bit of manipulation I could easily graduate in 3.5 years instead of 4. Since I started college during the spring '08 semester it would mean that I could apply during the summer 2010 cycle(graduate in 3.5), and (assuming I don't get in) the summer 2011 cycle(stay the extra semester). So both options would allow for little downtime between ugrad and med school (which is what I want).

My application during the summer 2010 cycle would be pretty weak:

~3.48 cGpa , ~3.65 sGpa , with a huge upward trend(first semester 2 D's one F, rest all A's and A-)
But by that time only prereqs and some humanities would be done, no upper division work aside from a couple bio classes.

MCAT: High 20's maybe low 30's?, I would only have a few months to study, and that would be while taking some prereqs(physics, ochem), so I'm sure I wouldn't do as well as I could under my original plan. (start studying summer 2010 and take it January 2011)

Volunteering/Shadowing: Would be whatever I could get done between now and then, so about 1 year of clinical voulunteering and maybe a few weeks of shadowing.

LOR's: I'd have a comittee letter, but my individual letters (aside frome 1), would be pretty weak at that point. (I'm assuming)

EC's: whatever I could get done between now and then, so nothing really meainingful.

URM/Disadvantaged: Yes

I don't really think I would get in during that cycle, so my main question is:

Would it hurt my chances during the summer 2011 cycle, if I applied during the summer 2010 with a weaker pieced together app.?

im sorry but what does URM/disadvantaged mean? am i disadvangtage? is that a good thing 😕

 

[LizzyM]

im sorry but what does URM/disadvantaged mean? am i disadvangtage? is that a good thing 😕

URM= under represented in medicine (e.g. African-American/Black, Mexican-Americans, mainland Puerto Ricans, Native Americans)

Disadvantaged: those who self-identify as disadvantaged and complete an optional section on the AMCAS application that gives details of the applicant's financial situation from age 0-18 (family size & income, public aid, etc).

 

[LizzyM]

That is a good point, but law2doc will drop in soon and say that school name doesn't matter at all.

B...S... While we all tell people to take the bird in hand rather than reapply, for someone who has not applied once, would we suggest that [insert the name of unranked school here perhaps one that takes only in-state applicants to train for primary care] is just as good as a scholarship to Hopkins or Harvard?

 

[redlight]

B...S... While we all tell people to take the bird in hand rather than reapply, for someone who has not applied once, would we suggest that [insert the name of unranked school here perhaps one that takes only in-state applicants to train for primary care] is just as good as a scholarship to Hopkins or Harvard?

haha 👍

OP you asked for advice, and people have given you solid advice. play to win, or dont play at all. why on earth would you waste a year applying if you know you'd be a much stronger applicant next time around? finish your courses, THEN do mcat prep and take the exam when you are satisfied with your practice scores. then apply..

 

[WhizoMD]

Thanks for the input! I think I'll go with the prevailing opinion here; it seems I'd be selling myself short if I didn't apply with the strongest app. possible.

 

[ModyzMalak]

URM= under represented in medicine (e.g. African-American/Black, Mexican-Americans, mainland Puerto Ricans, Native Americans)

Disadvantaged: those who self-identify as disadvantaged and complete an optional section on the AMCAS application that gives details of the applicant's financial situation from age 0-18 (family size & income, public aid, etc).

oh thanks for that. yay im underrepresented!

 

[pietachok]

I have applied 3 times. Each time I applied to many schools and broadly. I have a 3.45GPA and 34T MCAT, and I have tons of hours of volunteering and clinical experience + publications. Each time I reapplied, I had a significant explanation of how I had improved myself/my application, and had taken more grad/upper level courses + more advanced clinical employment to bolster my app. I never aimed ridiculously high...the "highest" of schools on my list were always places I had some sort of connection (i.e. I wouldn't have dreamed of MSSM if I didn't work there). The application process each time was expensive and draining (I applied to 20+ schools each time). The only benefit was I probably got better at it each time around...but who wants to have application-writing as a well-honed skill? Although, ultimately, I got in somewhere, and that's all that matters to me, I feel like I *might* have had more choice in the location where I could go if I hadn't been a reapplicant, now I have to leave my S.O. for school. Here's a summary of what I did:

#1) I put together my application very late in the season due to illness and got only 1 interview (rejected).

#2) Assumed the previous round went so badly due to lateness and applied earlier w/ basically the same app; turns out my committee wrote me an awful letter for no apparent reason. Got 1 interview at the same school (rejected).

#3) Applied in August. Didn't use committee letter. Got 8 M.D. interviews + 7 D.O. interviews. Accepted everywhere I didn't cancel my interview except U. Utah. More importantly got into Keck USC.

What I learned about the stigma of being a re-applicant (keep in mind schools typically only ask you if you are a reapplicant to their institution):

*Some schools didn't seem to care. Utah and USC had other people at the interview day who had interviewed year after year. One person at USC got accepted after applying 5 times, and I know many who got into Utah on their 3rd attempt. Perhaps it even helps at those schools that you show determination/motivation by re-applying. Albany also offered me an interview for the 1st time this year.

*I got the sensation that my state schools (NY) cared, as did many schools that receive some of the highest #'s of applications combined with lower admit GPA's (think Drexel, Rosalind Franklin, etc.). Although only a few schools actually have it written on the app, I think many schools take the same stance of basically: "we discourage reapplication, b/c we thoroughly review all applications, so it is highly uncommon that if we've rejected you once you'll have a different outcome." I remember one school even giving a stat that less than 3% of re-applicants would see a change in the disposition of their application. I can only hypothesize as to the reason, but similar (but 1st time) applicants to me seemed to get interviewed at these schools at a higher rate.

Use the above insight as you may. If I were in your shoes I'd probably wait to avoid the misery of reapplying. If you can't help yourself though, and don't care *where* you go as long as you get in somewhere...as a URM, you'll probably be able to swing that.

Hope this helped.

 

[Excelsius]

B...S... While we all tell people to take the bird in hand rather than reapply, for someone who has not applied once, would we suggest that [insert the name of unranked school here perhaps one that takes only in-state applicants to train for primary care] is just as good as a scholarship to Hopkins or Harvard?

I agree. Actually, attending a school like Hopkins is better even without a scholarship, unless you know for sure that you will be doing primary care. In that case choosing the cheapest school will be better. Some people here just don't understand that there are school out there that specifically concentrate on primary care and make you do a long rotation in it. It's better to pay more and get what you want rather than be stuck somewhere for four years and not like it (and possibly have it affect your residency choices).

 

[mvenus929]

I'd qualify for fee waivers, so the only cost would be the odd secondary, and travel to potential interviews. As far as stress goes the first cycle wouldn't be stressful at all for me since I wouldn't really be expecting much out of it. I just wanted to see if it would look bad to have the lower mcat score on record and reapplicant status the second time around.

If you aren't going to expect much out of it, you're not going to put much into it, either. So, you'll basically be applying for nothing. If you put anything remotely to what you should be putting into it, you're going to have an emotional investment in the outcome. If you spend 2 months perfecting your PS, and then get rejected and have to spend another 2 months writing it again, because that may have had an impact on your rejection, you're going to be drained.

 

[NCDocWannabe]

I know everyone says wait, but what if I wanted to apply to an Early Assurance Program? I am contemplating applying to Wake Forest University's Early Assurance program, and the handbook states that I apply through the AMCAS. How would this be viewed by other schools if I don't get the nod from WFU?

 

[pietachok]

I know everyone says wait, but what if I wanted to apply to an Early Assurance Program? I am contemplating applying to Wake Forest University's Early Assurance program, and the handbook states that I apply through the AMCAS. How would this be viewed by other schools if I don't get the nod from WFU?

No. Other schools can't see what schools you've applied to until spring. And even then they only become unblinded to the schools to which you have been accepted/waitlisted.