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[Going2BeADoctor]

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[Zorax]

I'm just curious how the pandemic has affected the number of applications medical schools are receiving. Could any adcoms weigh in?

On the one hand, I would expect many prospective applicants to take a gap year due to an inability to take the MCAT, shadow physicians, volunteer, etc.

On the other hand, I suspect many people would want to apply now to insulate themselves from poor job prospects due to the economic effects of COVID-19.

This question has been asked before. But I think the general consensus is that the number of applications have risen in the beginning weeks; however, the total amount of applications for this cycle is set to be the same as normal.
@LizzyM said 37,000 applications so far and usually 50,000 applications are being submitted. Oyhwr adcoms mentioned that the next few years may have many more applications and be more competitive due to an economic downturn (economic downturn yields larger volume of apps).

As for the gap year, IMO applications for this cycle have hardly been affected. The majority of them already had the mcat/shadowing/volunteering covered before the lockdown. The next cycle may have some problems, but then again they had 3 yrs. to gather experience before the pandemic happened. Just my thoughts

 

[Zorax]

My apologies, I didn’t realize this question had been asked before. Thank you for the information, though. Regarding the gap year, I agree with you. I can’t imagine the lockdown severely impacted too many of this year’s prospective applicants.

No worries! I remember reading a few threads about COVID impact, here's a few:

Overwhelming changes - COVID times

It appears that the new "norm," in lieu of clinical volunteering, will be to gain clinical employment due to limited opportunities for volunteering. The average employer (Nurse Assisting) in my area wants at least 20 hours a week with mandatory overtime when needed. Seems this is expected all...

forums.studentdoctor.net

Effect of COVID-19 on current applicants?

I guess this is a question more for the adcom members here on SDN, but is the current pandemic affecting current medical school admissions at all? What will the effect be, if any, on waitlist movement?

forums.studentdoctor.net

There are more, but I only went back as the last 4 pages.