Drawbacks of reapplying?

[DerpyPusheen]

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Hi all. I am going to be a junior in college this fall. I have always had the plan to take a gap year after my undergrad years in order to bolster my application for medical school. However, I recently thought that I could just try to apply for medical school this cycle so that I would be able to attend medical school directly out of undergrad. This is by no means my "final" application. I only plan on applying to a few schools, and is therefore more of a "just try it" kind of thing; I am fairly certain that I would be applying in the next cycle. However, if I get rejected in this cycle (which is probable), would this have negative consequences for me in the subsequent cycle?

1.) If I apply to the same school that I got rejected from in a previous cycle, would they look on my application unfavorably?

2.) Would other medical schools know that I had applied and got rejected from a medical school, and would they look on my application unfavorably?

Thanks for listening.

 

[samac]

Don't apply unless you're going for it all in.
1) unless you do something significant to your application then yes. They ask the question: how did you improve? If your only improvement was a few more grades in your senior year that's not favorable.
2) schools will see your AMCAS id and know your probably a reapplicant.

Long story short: don't apply unless you're doing everything you possibly can to get accepted. Think of it as one shot.

 

[ChrisMack390]

This is a terrible idea.

DO NOT go through the motions of applying to medical school if you are not 100% committed, now.

This is not college.

 

[The Real SVB]

Don't apply to medical school as a sophomore. Just no

 

[samac]

Don't apply to medical school as a sophomore. Just no

I didn't even catch that part.
No just no.

 

[familyaerospace]

I sense there is nothing good that is likely to come out of this decision, but to answer your question.

Depends on what you've done in the meantime. I was accepted to a school on my fourth round to them. That school has accepted people on their eighth round to them. I was a decently strong applicant that first run and little changed application wise except I was given time to mature and to calm down.

They might know you are a reapplicant, some schools like reapplicants, some don't.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

Hey guys, thanks for all of the replies.

After rereading my original post, I realized my wording made it seem like I would apply in my sophomore year. My apologies, I meant that I would apply at the end of my junior year, similar to a traditional student. Again, sorry for the mix up.

It seems like the general consensus is that this is a really bad idea. May I ask why? Is it because it is such a long, emotional process to go through twice? Or is there another reason? This may be my own naiveté, but I am willing to put in as much work as possible for medical school; I have no qualms about going through the entire process twice if the only concern is the amount of effort required.

Again, thanks for your time.

 

[The Real SVB]

Hey guys, thanks for all of the replies.

After rereading my original post, I realized my wording made it seem like I would apply in my sophomore year. My apologies, I meant that I would apply at the end of my junior year, similar to a traditional student. Again, sorry for the mix up.

It seems like the general consensus is that this is a really bad idea. May I ask why? Is it because it is such a long, emotional process to go through twice? Or is there another reason? This may be my own naiveté, but I am willing to put in as much work as possible for medical school; I have no qualms about going through the entire process twice if the only concern is the amount of effort required.

Again, thanks for your time.

You're quite a derp. Why don't you do some searching about reapplicants and their chances on these forums and then come back and let us know what you think.
You're not naive. Just completely uninformed and thus, dangerous.

 

[gyngyn]

Some things we are looking for are:
Sound judgement
Adequate preparation
Ability to take good advice
Ability to delay gratification, when needed.

In summary, maturity (no matter your age).

 

[DerpyPusheen]

Hey guys, thanks again. I would prefer if you only replied if you have some concrete answers though, not some vague ethical points that you pride yourself on.

@The Real SVB After going through your comment history, it's pretty obvious that you like to "constructively" criticize on others who have opinions differing from yours by insulting them. Also looks like you have some pretty interesting generalizations about race, Asians in specific. I think it's pretty safe to assume that you're someone who likes to degrade others to make yourself feel better. It's pathetic honestly. If you don't have something meaningful to add, don't comment at all. This isn't a place for you to artificially inflate your own ego. Good job changing "dumb" to "dangerous" in your post by the way, good attempt to avoid any negative backlash. You're not a bad person. Just a complete child and thus, immature.

 

[ChrisMack390]

Hey guys, thanks again. I would prefer if you only replied if you have some concrete answers though, not some vague ethical points that you pride yourself on.

LOL is this what you will say at a med school interview when they ask you how a 20 year old knows they want to do medicine for the rest of their life?

 

[The Real SVB]

Oof someone's sensitive. We've seen this on SDN, people coming in with a terrible idea and wanting people to applaud you no matter how bad it is. I actually changed my post because I felt bad about calling you dumb. You're just uninformed.

Also, the race thread was an inside thing between me and @Goro so lol

 

[DerpyPusheen]

Not sure where I asked people to applaud me for my idea. I asked for some concrete answers. Nowhere did I say, "this is my opinion, and if it's wrong, then you're dumb". In fact, that sounds like something you would say. I just wanted people to elaborate on their answers.

Let me remind you of my questions since you can't see them past your ego. "Are there negative consequences to applying twice". "Will other schools know". Your answers? "No, just no". "You're quite a derp". Go back to mommy if you want to hear about how great you are. Nobody likes a self-proclaimed, pretentious know-it-all.

 

[The Cheat]

Just another day on the interwebs..

..

 

[onceawolverine]

Let me remind you of my questions since you can't see them past your ego. "Are there negative consequences to applying twice". "Will other schools know". Your answers? "No, just no". "You're quite a derp". Go back to mommy if you want to hear about how great you are. Nobody likes a self-proclaimed, pretentious know-it-all.

1. Yes, there are negative consequences to being listed a "re-applicant" at various schools. Admissions committees will wonder what you did wrong the first time around, what was your achilles heel, etc. The "put yourself in their shoes" quote that I've heard adcoms say is "well if you weren't good enough the first time around, why would we waste an interview spot on you now, when there are dozens/hundreds of just-as-qualified-if-not-more-qualified first-timers?
2. Will other schools know? This question is better directed at gyngyn, but I believe the answer is no (source). But if a secondary question asks you "have you applied to medical school before," or if it comes up in an interview, then you're sunk.

This may be my own naiveté, but I am willing to put in as much work as possible for medical school; I have no qualms about going through the entire process twice if the only concern is the amount of effort required.

Take it from those who have been through it. EVEN IF the "only" drawback were the effort (which it isn't), you still don't want to do it twice. Do it once and do it well.

I would prefer if you only replied if you have some concrete answers though, not some vague ethical points that you pride yourself on.

Gyngyn's advice is actually highly relevant to your situation. And the "things they look for," are highly visible in an application, even if you can't see that they are. Remember that this application isn't just submitting a resume and a few numbers. It's a thorough examination of your character, your motives, your dedication, your maturity, and your potential for growth (to name a few). The strategy you outlined above will likely not demonstrate these characteristics well. Instead, take the time to really think about your application and when it comes time to apply, show your best face.

My 2 cents: please don't apply early for the sake of testing the waters. As others have said, only commit to the application once you are ready to commit. I myself occasionally wonder if I should have taken a gap year before applying, and that's even AFTER getting accepted to my dream school!

"Just try it," while a great philosophy for roller coasters, nike commercials, and a nicely-aged scotch, isn't the way you should expect to comport yourself professionally. And make no mistake, this application is the largest step in your professional life that you will have taken so far, I assume. So no, don't "just try it." Wait until your application is as strong as it can be and the timing is right. Then go all in.

Instead of submitting a "rough draft" of your application this time around, might I suggest following along with some of the more public posters on SDN? If you really want to know "how people do," then pay attention to MDApps and school-specific threads. Even better, find a friend who is applying this year, and ask them questions about their experiences! I think this is a much safer and wiser way of learning about the process (and all the preparation that goes into it), than simply throwing yourself into it before you're ready.

 

[samac]

My first comment answered it, concretely. Being a reapplicant will hurt. You'll have to improve your application to show you've matured and are more prepared for medical school.
Schools can just notice you have an older ID number than the years batch and have a pretty good idea you're a reapplicant.
Only plan to apply once and apply to all schools you're interested in that one time. Don't just "give it a shot" at a few schools.
There's your concrete answer.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

Thanks for the well-thought out reply! I guess I may have made it seem like I would be submitting a "rough draft" type application in my original post. My rational was that I thought that I would be effectively doubling my chance of acceptance by applying twice, but I think that after reading your post, I may reconsider.

@The Cheat It just annoys me when people like @The Real SVB insult people and expect them to just take it lying down lol. All I asked for was some clarification, and he responded with "just gtfo and do your own research, you're dumb". I respect people who give good answers that actually answer my questions, like @onceawolverine. @The Real SVB really has some growing up to do. I tried to be as polite and respectful as possible in my original post, and he just responded with childish insults. What's even worse is that some people actually defended him, like @ChrisMack390. Oh well. I should have known better to argue with some kids who think they're some self-entitled heroes. @The Real SVB openly insults people, and when people call him out for it, he thinks hes the victim. Guess I should remake my opinion of the users on this forum.

Thanks again to those who actually answered my question.

 

[The Real SVB]

Thanks for the well-thought out reply! I guess I may have made it seem like I would be submitting a "rough draft" type application in my original post. My rational was that I thought that I would be effectively doubling my chance of acceptance by applying twice, but I think that after reading your post, I may reconsider.

@The Cheat It just annoys me when people like @The Real SVB insult people and expect them to just take it lying down lol. All I asked for was some clarification, and he responded with "just gtfo and do your own research, you're dumb". I respect people who give good answers that actually answer my questions, like @onceawolverine. @The Real SVB really has some growing up to do. I tried to be as polite and respectful as possible in my original post, and he just responded with childish insults. What's even worse is that some people actually defended him, like @ChrisMack390. Oh well. I should have known better to argue with some kids who think they're some self-entitled heroes. @The Real SVB openly insults people, and when people call him out for it, he thinks hes the victim. Guess I should remake my opinion of the users on this forum.

Thanks again to those who actually answered my question.

If you're gonna bring the level of discussion down to this level...let's see what's more childish – the fact that I told you to go do your own research because literally the best way to use SDN is to use search (and it would reveal many more drawbacks to being a reapplicant than this thread would ever give you) or your tagging me thrice in one post, looking through my comment history to mount your "argument" against my moral character, and then pointing fingers at the people who made you feel bad.

Also, did you really not realize that I called you a derp primarily because your username says "Derpy"? I thought it was pretty obvious.

 

[Lawpy]

Thanks for the well-thought out reply! I guess I may have made it seem like I would be submitting a "rough draft" type application in my original post. My rational was that I thought that I would be effectively doubling my chance of acceptance by applying twice, but I think that after reading your post, I may reconsider.

@The Cheat It just annoys me when people like @The Real SVB insult people and expect them to just take it lying down lol. All I asked for was some clarification, and he responded with "just gtfo and do your own research, you're dumb". I respect people who give good answers that actually answer my questions, like @onceawolverine. @The Real SVB really has some growing up to do. I tried to be as polite and respectful as possible in my original post, and he just responded with childish insults. What's even worse is that some people actually defended him, like @ChrisMack390. Oh well. I should have known better to argue with some kids who think they're some self-entitled heroes. @The Real SVB openly insults people, and when people call him out for it, he thinks hes the victim. Guess I should remake my opinion of the users on this forum.

Thanks again to those who actually answered my question.

So you created an account just to attack an established member here? Great first impression dude.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

@The Real SVB The do your own research point was good. The insulting was not. I'm a new member here, so I didn't know it was wrong to tag people multiple times. You think what you say doesn't reflect your moral character? lol. And let's not forget your hasty edit of "dumb".

@Lawper Yet another fanboy who blindly defends people. I think it's painfully obvious that I made an account to ask the question in the title. It's not like I made this account, followed SVB to every thread, and then insulted him. I honestly can't understand your logic at all. "You created an account JUST to attack"? Read the original post, then think long and hard about what you said. I see that this forum is more about who's been around the longest rather than whoever has the best input. I guess I'll go around and insult people too, may as well try to fit in.

 

[The Real SVB]

@Lawper Yet another fanboy who blindly defends people. I think it's painfully obvious that I made an account to ask the question in the title. It's not like I made this account, followed SVB to every thread, and then insulted him. I honestly can't understand your logic at all. "You created an account JUST to attack"? Read the original post, then think long and hard about what you said. I see that this forum is more about who's been around the longest rather than whoever has the best input. I guess I'll go around and insult people too, may as well try to fit in.

But daddy (single parent household ftw) always said I have the best inputs... 😢 😢 😢

 

[Lawpy]

@The Real SVB The do your own research point was good. The insulting was not. I'm a new member here, so I didn't know it was wrong to tag people multiple times. You think what you say doesn't reflect your moral character? lol. And let's not forget your hasty edit of "dumb".

@Lawper Yet another fanboy who blindly defends people. I think it's painfully obvious that I made an account to ask the question in the title. It's not like I made this account, followed SVB to every thread, and then insulted him. I honestly can't understand your logic at all. "You created an account JUST to attack"? Read the original post, then think long and hard about what you said. I see that this forum is more about who's been around the longest rather than whoever has the best input. I guess I'll go around and insult people too, may as well try to fit in.

Each post you write sharply reduces your credibility if you're going to attack people senselessly. Especially this post:

Hey guys, thanks again. I would prefer if you only replied if you have some concrete answers though, not some vague ethical points that you pride yourself on.

@The Real SVB After going through your comment history, it's pretty obvious that you like to "constructively" criticize on others who have opinions differing from yours by insulting them. Also looks like you have some pretty interesting generalizations about race, Asians in specific. I think it's pretty safe to assume that you're someone who likes to degrade others to make yourself feel better. It's pathetic honestly. If you don't have something meaningful to add, don't comment at all. This isn't a place for you to artificially inflate your own ego. Good job changing "dumb" to "dangerous" in your post by the way, good attempt to avoid any negative backlash. You're not a bad person. Just a complete child and thus, immature.

A directionless attack since you were simply advised to use the search function to get the answer. Which is true since your question isn't new.

So please, relax yourself and actually read the advice presented here and use the information from previous threads to decide the next step.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

@Lawper Your logic is truly just...I have no words. I am amazed that you feel such a sense of self-entitlement and loyalty to SVB. Honestly, I'm 90% sure you're trolling right now, there's really no other explanation.

Let me just give you the basics so that you can understand. You're blaming me for a "directionless attack" and say that I was "simply advised". Yet, you're not going to comment on SVB's reply? Really? "You're not naive. Just completely uninformed and thus, dumb" (unedited version so that you can be disillusioned of whatever image you have of SVB). Let me give you an example of what happened. Someone asks, "What are my chances at X school". SVB replies, "just go to your counselor, this should be obvious to anyone who has a brain, you should really think things through before posting on here you idiot". However, I know that you're not going to see anything wrong with that. It's always pointless talking with a zealot who religiously worships a member of these forums because of their seniority.

 

[The Real SVB]

because of their seniority.

I've been a member for less than 2 weeks. It's not like I'm a 2-year member or something. I don't know @Lawper at all. You just don't get that you're the one being the baby. You came here and we gave you good advice. Take it and leave.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

Yes, yes, the classic "I can say whatever I want without any consequences, and anyone that disagrees is a big baby". I can't believe you're still of the opinion that you did nothing wrong. "WE" did not give good advice. Onceawolverine gave good advice. Samac gave good advice. Familyaerospace gave a good anecdote. The only thing YOU gave was a useless reply that only served to make yourself feel better. Go back to daddy kiddo. I'm done talking to brat like you. Just grow up and learn that the world doesn't revolve around you.

To everyone who gave real advice and information, thanks for your time.

 

[The Cheat]

Everyone just take a chill pill. It sounds like to me this is just another internet spat where both sides got caught up in the heat of the moment.

@The Real SVB I understand that you just wanted to give sound advice to a new SDN member. I can also see why you were direct in your line of reasoning; you wanted to help a new SDNer from making a possible grave mistake. However, while your advice was sound, it is up to @DerpyPusheen to actually heed your advice. If someone didn't heed any advice I gave them, I would just move on and let them learn through their mistakes. Especially if they try to double down on their misconceptions.

@DerpyPusheen It is great that you are coming onto SDN at a time before most pre-med applicants are considering joining SDN. It is also great that you are asking a question with which I personally have seen many pre-meds struggle with. I hope that you can be an active contributor to SDN in the future. Yet, there is merit in becoming a savvy user of the SDN search function. Many questions that pre-meds have where usually asked by someone else. Ideally, many people can find an answer to their questions in those old threads. In the long run, using the search function can save you lots of time in getting your questions answered.

 

[wholeheartedly]

As the moderator, I agree. Everyone just tone it down a few notches and keep it professional.

 

[The Real SVB]

As the moderator, I agree. Everyone just tone it down a few notches and keep it professional.

I agree. OP – you should definitely apply next year as a test run and see what happens. Who knows? Maybe you'll be accepted. Either way, you'll have a lot more experience the second time around and then you'll definitely be accepted. Win-win.

 

[samac]

I agree. OP – you should definitely apply next year as a test run and see what happens. Who knows? Maybe you'll be accepted. Either way, you'll have a lot more experience the second time around and then you'll definitely be accepted. Win-win.

Stop with the sarcasm.

 

[NeuResurgens]

Stop with the sarcasm.

Ha, I tend to agree here - I try to avoid sarcasm on SDN simply because a lot of the people asking questions truly don't understand how this process works; they don't know what the right answer is at all, much less an "obviously" incorrect answer presented as a correct one.

To be perfectly clear, OP - don't count on success as a reapplicant. Go all in, take some extra time to make sure your application is as perfect as it's going to get, and then apply once you feel confident. Do it once and do it right the first time - like just about anything else in life.

 

[The Real SVB]

Stop with the sarcasm.

OP didn't think he/she got "good" advice from me. So I gave what I now think is good advice for OP. He/she seems like the type to want to try everything first and draw his own conclusions, so why not? He/she has been asking me for evidence all throughout the thread, so I'm encouraging him to get his own evidence and judge for himself.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

OP didn't think he/she got "good" advice from me. So I gave what I now think is good advice for OP. He/she seems like the type to want to try everything first and draw his own conclusions, so why not? He/she has been asking me for evidence all throughout the thread, so I'm encouraging him to get his own evidence and judge for himself.

Is it even possible to get through to this kid? He still thinks he gave good advice. There have been replies on this thread that have been good that I acknowledged. SVB's was not among those good replies. He got mad because he's been told his entire life that he's special. Simple as that.

 

[The Real SVB]

Is it even possible to get through to this kid? He still thinks he gave good advice. There have been replies on this thread that have been good that I acknowledged. SVB's was not among those good replies. He got mad because he's been told his entire life that he's special. Simple as that.

As I've said before, I'm a female. Stop calling me "he."
I know I didn't give you good advice. Thus, I changed my advice. Is it better now, professor?

 

[butternutsquash]

I'll also add that "testing the waters" will cost you a couple hundred bucks in primary and secondary application fees. Might as well spend that money next year, when you truly believe your application is the most competitive.

 

[catmario]

Is it even possible to get through to this kid? He still thinks he gave good advice. There have been replies on this thread that have been good that I acknowledged. SVB's was not among those good replies. He got mad because he's been told his entire life that he's special. Simple as that.

She told you that it's a terrible idea, which it is, and told you to use the search function, which you should have. Sure it could have been phrased with more pleasantry, but in terms
of advice, it's as sound as it gets.

Also- don't apply this year. You clearly aren't ready. People aren't always going to be polite and respectful in healthcare. You're going to get yelled at for s that's not of your own doing,
constantly deal with headstrong personalities, interact with people who choose not to mince their words and the rare few who are just downright a**holes.
It's part of the environment and you clearly haven't developed the skin for it yet if you can't even deal with it on the internet.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

She told you that it's a terrible idea, which it is, and told you to use the search function, which you should have. Sure it could have been phrased with more pleasantry, but in terms
of advice, it's as sound as it gets.

Also- don't apply this year. You clearly aren't ready. People aren't always going to be polite and respectful in healthcare. You're going to get yelled at for s that's not of your own doing,
constantly deal with headstrong personalities, interact with people who choose not to mince their words and the rare few who are just downright a**holes.
It's part of the environment and you clearly haven't developed the skin for it yet if you can't even deal with it on the internet.

I'm amazed you would make a fake second account just to back your main one up. You must be really angry LOL. Thanks for putting in the effort though <3

 

[The Real SVB]

I'm amazed you would make a fake second account just to back your main one up. You must be really angry LOL. Thanks for putting in the effort though <3

Yup, you caught me. I made an account on Thursday (@catmario joined on 6/4) in order to anticipate a cat fight with you starting Friday (you started the thread 6/5).

You're already on probationary status. Keep it up.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

Yup, you caught me. I made an account on Thursday (@catmario joined on 6/4) in order to anticipate a cat fight with you starting Friday (you started the thread 6/5).

You're already on probationary status. Keep it up.

If you go the original status, you'll see it was made on Thursday. In case you didn't know, that's 6/4. Try to pay attention lol. Little suspicious. Clueless AND delusional.

 

[catmario]

Yup, you caught me. I made an account on Thursday (@catmario joined on 6/4) in order to anticipate a cat fight with you starting Friday (you started the thread 6/5).

You're already on probationary status. Keep it up.

I'm literally laughing out loud at the stupidity. WOW. This person is unbelievable.
Thanks for the laugh @DerpyPusheen.

 

[DerpyPusheen]

I'm literally laughing out loud at the stupidity. WOW. This person is unbelievable.
Thanks for the laugh @DerpyPusheen.

Pls make it more obvious LOL. 12 messages. Joined the night I made OP. Made account private. Red flags anyone?

 

[samac]

I think it's time for this thread to shut down... Doesn't seem to have any productivity left.
Mods?

 

[wholeheartedly]

I think it's time for this thread to shut down... Doesn't seem to have any productivity left.
Mods?

Agreed.

 

[The Real SVB]

Pls make it more obvious LOL. 12 messages. Joined the night I made OP. Made account private. Red flags anyone?

Joined the night before you made your post. You did it early midnight on Friday. The account was created on Thursday. Get banned already, troll.