Feeling Rejected

[subtle1epiphany]

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I just got rejected from Case Western and Syracuse today. While Case Western was a reach and didnt surprise me, I considered Syracuse mid-range, practically a "safety" if there is such a thing for medical schools. My numbers seemed in line with theirs: 3.4 GPA after a bad first year (lots of B+ and a few A/A- in science) and a 29 (10V, 9PS, 10BS) on the MCAT. I have great LORs and decent ECs including shadowing and a year of non-health volunteering. Although I'm not a resident of NY, I go to school there.
As you can guess I'm feeling quite down at the moment, and although I still have 20 or so schools to hear from, this is quite depressing. I really thought I'd be able to get an interview at Syracuse and now I'm really wondering if I've deluded myself into thinking I had a chance in this process. Especially since I took the August MCAT and applied late in the process in addition (I finished my last secondaries just a week ago, and got many in at the deadline) Now I'm starting to think I should really have a plan other than medical school or I'm going to graduate in May and have nothing going for me. Should I be studying for the GRE in preparation for a MPH or masters in a health related science field?
Any words of advice or something to pick up my spirits would be so welcome right now...

 

[Tezzie]

a) The process is not over yet. Don't give up hope. It's not over - till it's over.

b) Maybe you can try taking some summer undergrad courses and involve yourself in non-profit projects etc and reapply next year. June is just a few months away. Try to make your application stronger and reapply (this time as early as possible).

 

[subtle1epiphany]

would it be better to take more undergrad courses rather than taking a masters program that finishes in just a year and half or something of the like?
however, I do want to get into med school ASAP, so probably going to a program is not a good idea.
also, if i were to reapply, would i use the same AMCAS personal statement? or would a rewrite be needed? (assuming my statement is pretty good, which I've been told it is...)

 

[Rendar5]

You're going to get rejected from a lot of places no matter how good you are. The more you get rejected, the faster you get to your acceptances. And once you get one acceptance, everything's good.

 

[subtle1epiphany]

yeah, i know...gotta roll with the punches and just one is all i need. but it just came at a really bad time...new year, heading back across country to school tomorrow and i've been apart from my fiancee for over a month now...just hope i'm not destined for rejections with these stats

 

[TRUE]

perhaps you were hurt by the late applications. There is still time, though. Don't give up. If things don't work out for you this time around, I would suggest retaking the MCAT if you think you can do better (31 or 32 better) and apply early next year. You can spend the off year doing something you enjoy. Perhaps get a job in a field you're interested in. Maybe do some research in a lab if you're into that.

 

[Tezzie]

A 3.4 - 29 is not a bad score at all. There are people with numbers lower than that they got in this year. It is because your application and turn around times were late that hurt you the most (i think). You can raise your GPA a bit and you may want to restudy/retake the MCAT and aim for a 30+ like another poster said.

Either way. Start thinking about what you want to do next year WHILE reapplying (and this time as early as possible).

 

[subtle1epiphany]

yeah, i really think the late applications hurt me more than anything else...i really cant think of much aside from that...other than i'm an average matriculant.
however, as for retaking the MCAT i heard that you shouldnt unless you're SURE that you can do at least 3 pts better. thats something i'm not so positive about, perhaps just some upper division chemistry/biology courses and some volunteer work (like a CNA or EMT even) or a job.

as for this application term, would an update with this past semester's grades (a hard semester I pulled through with a solid 3.42) and some research (cognitive psychology) help at the schools were I havent been rejected?

 

[emanresu]

Keep your chin up. It's way too early to get depressed. Most of us have been through what you're feeling, and we can empathize. Hey, you've still got 20 schools, right?!

 

[jlee9531]

even if you do fall within the numbers of some schools...i wouldnt be too optimistic about getting an interview from those places. there really are no safety schools imho. its just whoever picks up your file and they see something in you then they give you a shot with an interview.

doesnt really matter which school it is...be it a reach school or a "safety" school.

now i do have to say that turning in your apps late was probably the biggest factor in determining your current status right now. however since you did turn in a lot of those apps late at least you know that more decisions from those 20 schools are coming. might be later than what you hoped for but you will hear something this second half of the cycle.

if the unfortunate thing happens and you dont get in this cycle...it gives you an opportunity to go out and strengthen you application like what the previous posters have mentioned.

about your question about using the same personal statement. i dont see anything wrong with it but maybe if you do have to apply again you might want to modify it in a way to talk about your drive for medicine again and that you wont give up on your goals of being a physician even though you didnt get in on your first try. obviously this is all pending on what those other schools say to you this year.

dont get too down about it. i have similar numbers but turned in everything early. so just sit tight and see what flows your way.

good luck man. hopefully you get to spend some time with the fiancee and relax for a bit. oh yeah about the updates with the stuff. might as well update. to show that you are still doing things and not just loafing around 😉.

anything to keep your mind at ease right?

 

[Adapt]

Your stats are competitive for DO schools. Next time you apply, I would advise you to apply to both MD and DO schools to increase your chances.

 

[subtle1epiphany]

thought that a personal recommendation from a DO was required on the AACOMAS form...all the doctors that I'm acquainted with are MDs, so I didnt think I could apply without it.
I will apply to osteopathic schools if I go for another round and can find a DO that will vouch for me.

 

[gary5]

I'd say that you disqualified yourself by applying so late. Remember that each school has another 5,999 applicants in front of you.

SO, you should take another year and do it right this time:
1) Take a prep class and get your MCAT over 30. Try for 33.
2) If you're not a bio major, take anatomy/phys and biochem.
3) Get a research job of at least 20 hrs/week. Do it unpaid if you have to.
4) Submit all of your application materials on the first day, not the last.
5) Look up tons of information on every step in the application process. Do everything perfectly. This second attempt is your last chance.

Good Luck!

 

[bewitched1081]

in my opinion, the feelings of doubt, sadness, and anxiety that you are experiencing should prepare you well for a career in medicine. there is much joy and fulfillment that can be found in a physician's work, but you must learn to manage your emotions. know why you want to be a doctor, and if your reasons are true then they should never fail you. i know that it is difficult not to worry, but no amt of worry will change your future. live life in the shoes of your future patients, grateful for every breath and every moment with loved ones (on this earth), even in the most wretched of circumstances.

 

[Mr. Rosewater]

honestly, i agree w/ tezzie, in that your biggest flaw is applying so late. i don't think your numbers would keep you out of Med school. if you don't get in, try to find something INTERESTING to do for a year, and reapply early. i'm sure you'd make it.

 

[premedmadness]

they recommend a DO letter, but they don't require it. i applied and got into DO schools with an MD letter. just be prepared to explain what you know about osteopathic medicine and how you became acquainted with it.

 

[lilgecko]

Misery loves company...I'm also an August MCATer and I got the rejection letter from Case on Friday. And I worked so hard on that darn essay! I was hoping to keep my interview/rejection ratio greater than or equal to one, but that letter screwed it up.