Handling medical school rejection..

[chevellerolet]

Don't know if this has been a thread in the pre-DO forum, but if it isn't I thought it'd be a good one to start. Does anyone have any tips for how to handle rejection post-interview or pre-interview? I was looking for possible tips on how to approach the next year, and how to maybe switch up the application process if worst case scenario happens. For those who haven't gotten in on their first try, what have you done to continue your journey in applying to medical school?

Any tips would be helpful...thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Phenol312]

This is how I handle rejections. Repeat until sense of self loathing dissipates or until consciousness is lost.

 

[t-funk]

Although I have never been in this situation, I would probably just figure what all my weak points are and start working on them. I think I may be a little sad and annoyed to have to do it all over again including the MCAT but I don't think I would take it that hard or that personally. It would just be that much more of a challenge.

 

[Bond8204]

Hi...I had to reapply this year. I luckily just got my first acceptance a few days ago.

1) Wait. Take a bit of a deep breath. Nothing I can tell you here is going to cure the pain of being rejected from med school--it's a sucky sucky process, but I promise you, you'll be fine...the "uncertainty about the future" is by far the worst feeling but I can guarantee life will move on and you will land on your feet.

2) I'm unsure when it's apropo to start doing this (ask a premed advisor or call the actual med schools and ask them when it would be appropriate) but call the schools from which you were rejected and ask for an in-person (if the school is close) or over-the-phone meeting to discuss how you weren't accepted this past season and would like to get some specific feedback as to how you can make your application more competitive in order to get that interview or to get that post-interview acceptance. This is a vital step. I didn't do this last year, and was reaaallllyyyy reaaallllyyy kicking myself around January that because I hadn't done it I had blown an entire year.

3) React. If GPA or MCAT are the concern, a post-bacc program or SMP is really the best option despite cost. If it's lack of clinical experience...get a fulltime job for your year off doing clinical experience. If it's lack of research, get a job doing research. No matter what, you should come out of that conversation with some specific objectives to check off for the school. Don't sulk. Don't be lazy. Getting the perfect job required me to apply to over 100 of them. Icing on the cake would be to continue buffing up your EC's with volunteer experience and other activities.

4) Work on your interview skills and essay writing skills
--Begin tangent: I will interject, here, though, that I believe that these two are highly overrated. People come on here bemoaning that "I blew the interview! I have no chance of acceptance!" And then end up accepted. The interview and your essays are just two parts of your application and IMO small ones at that. They're really things that you really "don't screw up" rather than "impress." After two years in this process I'm strongly of the opinion that GPA and MCAT are god and everything else is either just a requisite filled or icing on the cake. (Edit: I exaggerated a little here--you should still write a knockout essay and have excellent interviewing skills, but my point is that I'd argue most people have good essays and with practice most people get excellent at interviewing).
--End Tangent

This is probably the most annoying thing about reapplying--you've got to completely rewrite everything. Everything. No personal statement or secondary question should be repeated. Activity descriptions should at the bare minimum be edited. As for interviewing, I actually found that my parents were a great source to bounce interview questions off of--or at least the general ones about your strengths weaknesses, etc etc. Of course, this depends on your parents...and it was convenient because I'm living with them while working this year.

If you've got the money you might also look into hiring a consultant. If I had to apply a 3rd time I would've done this.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Just think to yourself "at least I don't have a rectal abscess, and I'm not going to get a CT scan where they stick a tube up my *** and drain a bag full of contrast solution in there, only for me to diarrhea it back into the bag in a few minutes"

 

[Bond8204]

Just think to yourself "at least I don't have a rectal abscess, and I'm not going to get a CT scan where they stick a tube up my *** and drain a bag full of contrast solution in there, only for me to diarrhea it back into the bag in a few minutes"

Or "At least I don't have to end up in medical school with this jerkoff"

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I didn't realize I inspired such hate over the internet. I must be doing something right.

 

[tlvuong4]

You might be a little saddened at first but really, life goes on. I think the good thing now is that you do have experience in the application process. You know when to ask for letters of recs (since many profs or physicians take forever in writing them), how to apply, what questions they're going to ask, and you've got a good idea of what what you want on your PS and secondaries. I really do think it's the application process that you're battling against. If you turn in all your stuff early, you'll get a good shot of getting in.

My mistake was not turning things in early. I didn't submit my secondaries til mid December. Well that's really close to christmas so I bet my app was sitting there til after new years. Then they take a few weeks to process after that, etc. I didn't get any interviews at my top choices because by then half or more of the spots were full and the admissions office is probably swamped with applications. Right now I hear schools like NSU, LECOM, etc are backed up with applications and many haven't even heard back on their status post-interview. I think it's essential that you get your application in to your Top choices in a timely manner before the late applicants and the MD rejects start submitting apps for DO schools.

 

[Phenol312]

Just think to yourself "at least I don't have a rectal abscess, and I'm not going to get a CT scan where they stick a tube up my *** and drain a bag full of contrast solution in there, only for me to diarrhea it back into the bag in a few minutes"

you couldnt just say "at least i dont have "lethal disease x" and leave it at that, huh?

 

[EEL08]

Just think to yourself "at least I don't have a rectal abscess, and I'm not going to get a CT scan where they stick a tube up my *** and drain a bag full of contrast solution in there, only for me to diarrhea it back into the bag in a few minutes"

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Seriously, the best way to handle rejection is to suck it up and get over it. If you are ultimately rejected from all schools, then see what you can do to improve your application for next cycle. It is the only productive course of action. Pining over it is a waste of time, and it won't make you feel any better.

That's how I dealt with it, anyway.

 

[obamagirl]

a

 

[gasapple]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPx5VDVT8T8[/YOUTUBE]

 

[nascardoc]

Hi...I had to reapply this year. I luckily just got my first acceptance a few days ago.

1) Wait. Take a bit of a deep breath. Nothing I can tell you here is going to cure the pain of being rejected from med school--it's a sucky sucky process, but I promise you, you'll be fine...the "uncertainty about the future" is by far the worst feeling but I can guarantee life will move on and you will land on your feet.

2) I'm unsure when it's apropo to start doing this (ask a premed advisor or call the actual med schools and ask them when it would be appropriate) but call the schools from which you were rejected and ask for an in-person (if the school is close) or over-the-phone meeting to discuss how you weren't accepted this past season and would like to get some specific feedback as to how you can make your application more competitive in order to get that interview or to get that post-interview acceptance. This is a vital step. I didn't do this last year, and was reaaallllyyyy reaaallllyyy kicking myself around January that because I hadn't done it I had blown an entire year.

3) React. If GPA or MCAT are the concern, a post-bacc program or SMP is really the best option despite cost. If it's lack of clinical experience...get a fulltime job for your year off doing clinical experience. If it's lack of research, get a job doing research. No matter what, you should come out of that conversation with some specific objectives to check off for the school. Don't sulk. Don't be lazy. Getting the perfect job required me to apply to over 100 of them. Icing on the cake would be to continue buffing up your EC's with volunteer experience and other activities.

4) Work on your interview skills and essay writing skills
--Begin tangent: I will interject, here, though, that I believe that these two are highly overrated. People come on here bemoaning that "I blew the interview! I have no chance of acceptance!" And then end up accepted. The interview and your essays are just two parts of your application and IMO small ones at that. They're really things that you really "don't screw up" rather than "impress." After two years in this process I'm strongly of the opinion that GPA and MCAT are god and everything else is either just a requisite filled or icing on the cake. (Edit: I exaggerated a little here--you should still write a knockout essay and have excellent interviewing skills, but my point is that I'd argue most people have good essays and with practice most people get excellent at interviewing).
--End Tangent

This is probably the most annoying thing about reapplying--you've got to completely rewrite everything. Everything. No personal statement or secondary question should be repeated. Activity descriptions should at the bare minimum be edited. As for interviewing, I actually found that my parents were a great source to bounce interview questions off of--or at least the general ones about your strengths weaknesses, etc etc. Of course, this depends on your parents...and it was convenient because I'm living with them while working this year.

If you've got the money you might also look into hiring a consultant. If I had to apply a 3rd time I would've done this.

For the most part, I agree with this post....great information. Where I disagree is the importance of the interview. To me, this is the make or break of the whole process. I have seen people with excellent stats, EC's, etc get turned down b/c they interview badly. The interview is also the place to make yourself stand-out among those you're competing with, to show you're not just another person with good numbers. Thruout this year, I have talked with our adcom, along with many of the profs who interview, I can't tell you what a huge thing it is when a person interviews well. I have had profs tell me that they knew we HAD to have person X b/c they were just so blown away by them.....as well as stories of good stats, but eh, nothing special. So definitely do not throw this part of the process to the back burner.

Remember........

Goal #1 is to get the interview.

Goal #2 is the impress the hell out of them during the interview.

Goal #3 is not get a paper cut when opening your acceptance letter.



BTW, there are just some people with piss-poor people/interviewing skills and can't improve them. I have seen it a few times this interview season (I meet a lot of the interviewees that come thru DCOM) and I was amazed at some people. I was like 😱...you're not getting in....and I have no say-so in any part of the process besides stopping by and saying hi or giving a tour.

 

[obamagirl]

Bond8204 - Great advice- but I have to disagree with you on the interview skills. At some schools interviews may not carry as much weight as grades, MCAT scores, extracurriculars, etc... but an interview can definitely make or break you.

It is true that some say they had a bad interview and get in anyway, but chances are that the interview was probably not as bad as it may have seemed. Nailing the interview is very important - especially for those with iffy scores/ grades. It is your one chance to show the school you are who you are on paper and that you are not a seedy character. First impressions are usually lasting impressions and anything out of the ordinary will be examined. Lastly, communication is a huge part of medicine and if one is not able to do this well during an interview it will be questioned.

 

[madcye]

I would think take a little break and hang with people important to you. Then get back to working on finding your holes and patching those up. In regards to interviewing, one thing that helped me a lot was going to the career center at my old university. I had two mock interviews, one was a regular one and the other was taped. The taped one really helped me get that outside perspective on how I conducted myself in the interview. Another note is that I read the personal interview Q's on SDN and answered them out loud to myself. That way its almost like rehearsing and refining your own thoughts on those questions. Lastly, I subscribe to the philosophy that things take as long as they need to take. So, if this wasn't your time then hopefully with some new experience next time will be. Good luck.👍

 

[spazzz]

+

solves every problem

 

[scdocusc]

Hi...I had to reapply this year. I luckily just got my first acceptance a few days ago.

1) Wait. Take a bit of a deep breath. Nothing I can tell you here is going to cure the pain of being rejected from med school--it's a sucky sucky process, but I promise you, you'll be fine...the "uncertainty about the future" is by far the worst feeling but I can guarantee life will move on and you will land on your feet.

2) I'm unsure when it's apropo to start doing this (ask a premed advisor or call the actual med schools and ask them when it would be appropriate) but call the schools from which you were rejected and ask for an in-person (if the school is close) or over-the-phone meeting to discuss how you weren't accepted this past season and would like to get some specific feedback as to how you can make your application more competitive in order to get that interview or to get that post-interview acceptance. This is a vital step. I didn't do this last year, and was reaaallllyyyy reaaallllyyy kicking myself around January that because I hadn't done it I had blown an entire year.

3) React. If GPA or MCAT are the concern, a post-bacc program or SMP is really the best option despite cost. If it's lack of clinical experience...get a fulltime job for your year off doing clinical experience. If it's lack of research, get a job doing research. No matter what, you should come out of that conversation with some specific objectives to check off for the school. Don't sulk. Don't be lazy. Getting the perfect job required me to apply to over 100 of them. Icing on the cake would be to continue buffing up your EC's with volunteer experience and other activities.

4) Work on your interview skills and essay writing skills
--Begin tangent: I will interject, here, though, that I believe that these two are highly overrated. People come on here bemoaning that "I blew the interview! I have no chance of acceptance!" And then end up accepted. The interview and your essays are just two parts of your application and IMO small ones at that. They're really things that you really "don't screw up" rather than "impress." After two years in this process I'm strongly of the opinion that GPA and MCAT are god and everything else is either just a requisite filled or icing on the cake. (Edit: I exaggerated a little here--you should still write a knockout essay and have excellent interviewing skills, but my point is that I'd argue most people have good essays and with practice most people get excellent at interviewing).
--End Tangent

This is probably the most annoying thing about reapplying--you've got to completely rewrite everything. Everything. No personal statement or secondary question should be repeated. Activity descriptions should at the bare minimum be edited. As for interviewing, I actually found that my parents were a great source to bounce interview questions off of--or at least the general ones about your strengths weaknesses, etc etc. Of course, this depends on your parents...and it was convenient because I'm living with them while working this year.

If you've got the money you might also look into hiring a consultant. If I had to apply a 3rd time I would've done this.

I agree with most of this post and would say the same thing really. I disagree with you on the interview. OP, I am a reapplicant and upon reflecting on my experience and mistakes along the way I will give you a bit of advice. The rejection will make you feel lost as if you dont know where you will be going. Will it be florida? PA? MO? VA? that is killer. However, get your negative feelings out by doing something fun and take a break for a while. My other bit of advice is to take the info schools give you and use it (ie improve MCAT if low or take a post bacc). I was not open to doing more course work because my GPA wasnt that bad. In hindsight I should have taken a class or two or even a SMP. After a rejection you need to dig deep inside and come out of the gate like a race horse with the elmer's glue company chasing after it.

 

[Bond8204]

Yeah, like I said, I exaggerated a little. I don't want the thread to be hijacked over this point so let's lay it to rest here: My only point is that interviews are overrated. I had 8 interviews over 2 years...and I'd say of them 3 went "badly" and 3 went "great". Of all of them it was one of those that went "badly" that I ended up getting my first acceptance (although, as was mentioned here, probably not as badly as I had thought). That means for the 3 interviews that went great (and believe me, I'm not exaggerating) I had to have been rejected by something else. I have friends with similar stories (A friend being told "You are an ideal applicant...I have no doubt you'll be accepted...and How can I get my kid to be more like you!?").

To lay the point to rest, I think my point is that an interview is just one slice of your application--just like your MCAT is, just like your GPA is, just like your EC's are. It can be important and it can tip you over the edge or ruin you and so good interviewing skills are important--but I do think people overemphasize its importance. Alright.

I was not open to doing more course work because my GPA wasnt that bad. In hindsight I should have taken a class or two or even a SMP. After a rejection you need to dig deep inside and come out of the gate like a race horse with the elmer's glue company chasing after it.

This is why I cannot emphasize enough that asking every school you applied to how you can specifically improve your chances is the most important part of reapplication. I was too proud to do it (and I knew the reason...a special circumstance in my app). But that I didn't call the schools I had applied to and get that reason from them I am almost certain cost me 1-2 interview invites this cycle. Once they tell you what your issue is there's no argument--they're not wrong. Do what they said to do.

 

[Dakayus]

I was in that situation and these were my options
1. Go to masters program that specializes in getting you into medical school.
2. If you GPA x 20 + MCAT x10 <90 *for DO* or 100 *for MD* then try to revamp one of those to get them up to part.
3. Do some research, EMT, shadowing, etc.
4. Just slow down and just know that you'll be a doctor eventually. It may take longer, but does 1 year really matter that much?
5. Party it up.

 

[t-funk]

I was in that situation and these were my options
1. Go to masters program that specializes in getting you into medical school.
2. If you GPA x 20 + MCAT x10 <90 *for DO* or 100 *for MD* then try to revamp one of those to get them up to part.
3. Do some research, EMT, shadowing, etc.
4. Just slow down and just know that you'll be a doctor eventually. It may take longer, but does 1 year really matter that much?
5. Party it up.

I've never seen that formula before but I'm guessing there is not supposed to a + MCAT X10 bc the math doesn't work out. If it is only + MCAT, that would make more sense. (It gives me a 99) Just wondering.

 

[JackDanielMD]

I didn't realize I inspired such hate over the internet. I must be doing something right.

I thought it was funny.

 

[MaximusD]

Or "At least I don't have to end up in medical school with this jerkoff"

wtf is your problem?

Improving your application is a no-brainer. Usually and hopefully there is only one aspect of your application that isn't solid. If you have a low GPA, take a post-bacc. If you have a low MCAT, take a prep course and retake. If you haven't ever taken your nose out of the books, do some volunteering in the community that isn't your standard run-of-the-mill patient-floor volunteering at your community hospital. Set yourself apart.

It's really not complicated... I look at these lengthy posts about simple topics and chuckle to myself. If you didn't get into school, there probably is a reason. Strengthen your application and keep your head up. The medical profession is very competitive but if you got this far, it's likely that you're not turning back.

Good luck.

 

[prionsRbad]

I was in that situation and these were my options
1. Go to masters program that specializes in getting you into medical school.
2. If you GPA x 20 + MCAT x10 <90 *for DO* or 100 *for MD* then try to revamp one of those to get them up to part.
3. Do some research, EMT, shadowing, etc.
4. Just slow down and just know that you'll be a doctor eventually. It may take longer, but does 1 year really matter that much?
5. Party it up.

I don't get your calculation. 😕

Lets say 3.3 GPA and 23 MCAT, that's 3.3(20)=66 ,23(10)=230, 66+230=296? Did you mean greater than than 90? I think your formula is off . . .

 

[Moshe Rabbenu]

I think he meant 20GPA + MCAT = score. LizzyM on the allopathic forum posted that as her criteria for granting an interview. If it's less than 90, no interview (apparently 100 for MD, but I don't remember if she said that or not).

 

[MossPoh]

I take it as a personal vendetta. It is how I handle all rejection or failure though. If you state you don't think I'm good enough then I get more determined and come back with my full fury ready to rub it in your face how you missed out.

Juvenile? You betcha. Fulfilling? Hell yea.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Don't know if this has been a thread in the pre-DO forum, but if it isn't I thought it'd be a good one to start. Does anyone have any tips for how to handle rejection post-interview or pre-interview? I was looking for possible tips on how to approach the next year, and how to maybe switch up the application process if worst case scenario happens. For those who haven't gotten in on their first try, what have you done to continue your journey in applying to medical school?

Any tips would be helpful...thanks

So, for schools you got interviews from, see if they offer any personal feedback on their decision in order to help you readdress your application. Some may not, some may. There may be a school or 2 that didn't interview you that may offer some personal feedback too, I have no idea on that one.
Go over your application with an advisor. Someone who knows what they are doing. See what they suggest. If it is all gloom & doom, find someone else. Not that they are wrong, but if you want advice on what you need to fix, gloom & doom isn't the attitude you need working for ya.

For me, it was pretty obvious. My MCAT had to be improved. I broadened the list of schools to apply to - included DO schools, and removed a bunch that were just going to be way too long a shot to be worth it. I discovered some schools that were out there with mission statements that echoed my experience, and it occurred to me they would be interested in me because of that. Sure enough, I got in there.

Half way through 1st year of med school, I semi-jokingly say, if you don't get in, consider yourself lucky! Today's the first day of the rest of your life & there's so much more to life than this!!!

Good luck!

 

[prionsRbad]

I take it as a personal vendetta. It is how I handle all rejection or failure though. If you state you don't think I'm good enough then I get more determined and come back with my full fury ready to rub it in your face how you missed out.

Juvenile? You betcha. Fulfilling? Hell yea.

I hear ya, it's so fulfilling. I took my rejections pretty personally too, especially the one post interview.

 

[Bond8204]

wtf is your problem?

It was a joke.

 

[Flushot]

This is why I cannot emphasize enough that asking every school you applied to how you can specifically improve your chances is the most important part of reapplication. I was too proud to do it (and I knew the reason...a special circumstance in my app). But that I didn't call the schools I had applied to and get that reason from them I am almost certain cost me 1-2 interview invites this cycle. Once they tell you what your issue is there's no argument--they're not wrong. Do what they said to do.

I have a question about this. Are you more concerned on the fact that you showed interest in knowing how to improve to the schools that rejected you or just learning about what you did wrong? For me, I have a pretty good idea about what went wrong last year (just about everything 🙁 ) and I'm not sure I need to be told that my numbers were too low.

But, seeing as how I plan to reapply to those places, should I be showing interest in knowing what I did wrong? I figured that I would just improve all around and it would be a new game this cycle except with the extra essay question for reapplicants.

 

[premedrod]

its simple. just tell yourself that its a random process. why do you think ppl from harvard who have over 35 get rejected from places like cornell, northwestern etc....
my bro's friend went to columbia med and she said that when she asked why she was waitlisted, the admissions peeps said its so random that she shouldnt take it personally. but then again, these are for those who are stellar students...
if you suck with your gpa and mcats like i do, then i can understand if you'll take it personally. im going to take the denying/egotistical route and think im better then all the suckas out there who got admitted before me and that i was just one of the unlucky randomly denied applicants hahaha

 

[Bond8204]

Are you more concerned on the fact that you showed interest in knowing how to improve to the schools that rejected you or just learning about what you did wrong? For me, I have a pretty good idea about what went wrong last year (just about everything 🙁 ) and I'm not sure I need to be told that my numbers were too low.

You hit the nail on the head. A few medical schools will even have you answer the question "If you are a reapplicant, what have you done to make your application more competitive during the past year?" on their secondary. Being able to answer this question by generally saying "I spoke with your admissions committee, we decided on improving A and B. Here is how I have accomplished A. Here's how I've accomplished B." You might even want to speak a little to that in your personal statement as well.

Medical schools themselves say that talking to them like that should be part of the process. As you implied, it shows genuine concern and interest in your reapplication and in that school. You may be right--they may point to your low GPA and say "that needs to be improved." They might also tell you something completely surprising in addition.

The reason some of my posts here have been so drawn out about this (to the criticism of some), is that I had the exact same inclination last year and followed it. I knew exactly what was wrong with with my application (and I was right). But my situation (PM me if you really feel you need specifics) was nebulous and wasn't something that could exactly be "improved" so I kept my pride and didn't call the schools, thinking, what would they be able to tell me.

Like I said before, I truly believe not doing that cost me 1-2 interviews this year (One school who I interviewed with in 2006 had that "How did you improve your app" question on their secondary. I didn't get an interview with them this cycle, for example). That's why I can't emphasize enough how important that step is.

 

[Flushot]

I see that not doing anything at all can be hurtful, but I still am skeptical about a benefit. If I can speak with an individual after going through a receptionist about my application and ask them to tell me what I should already know, wouldn't this make me seem ignorant of my situation? I feel situation is far from "nebulous" and I'll gladly see if they can spout it all back to me. I'm just saying, can this be a benefit?

For example, I fear a response such as "You really do not know? With the numbers you have here?" Or "Does this timing seem unusual for a high risk candidate such as yourself?" etc. Granted, I really hope whoever I speak to is not this condescending.

I remember those questions on secondaries for re-applicants. These are designed for just this situation, correct? Does this require that phone call that could potentially be undocumented or led to nowhere? I am a TX resident and most of the TX schools have this question, so I am fully expecting it.

Odds are I will call these schools anyway, but when a situation is clear cut as mine, then I cant help but ask how much good this can do, when possibly at best, I can break even.

 

[Bond8204]

If I can speak with an individual after going through a receptionist about my application and ask them to tell me what I should already know, wouldn't this make me seem ignorant of my situation?

That's why the phrasing shouldn't really be "What was wrong with my application?" but rather in the tone that this is a strategizing session "I'm looking for some specific steps I can take to improve my application before I apply next cycle."

They might tell you "Well with this GPA I could really see you benefitting from a post-bacc program or Special Masters Program."

As I said before, often people hear that and think "Oh man I don't want to pay for that..." or "I don't want to go through that" (whatever "that" is) and try reapplying without following that advice. While success can surely happen without consulting med schools or listenting to their advice, these are the people who make the decisions on your app and they know what they're talking about.

 

[DrMattOglesby]

So i have a question:
Should I rewrite all of my essays upon my reapplication? I felt like the only difference i will make will be an early application and an improved MCAT. Plus I can maybe make mention of completing the IronMan.
anyways, just wondering--is it a must that i rewrite my essays???

 

[ShyRem]

I did a complete rewrite. I figured the first one didn't work, no matter when I applied. So I rewrote. And I admit the second one was much better.

 

[Bond8204]

So i have a question:
Should I rewrite all of my essays upon my reapplication? I felt like the only difference i will make will be an early application and an improved MCAT. Plus I can maybe make mention of completing the IronMan.
anyways, just wondering--is it a must that i rewrite my essays???

My advisor at school, who I trust and who knows what he's talking about, said everything should be rewritten.

The only thing I found truly hard to rewrite were activity descriptions--nothing had changed in my view of them from one year to the next so I just changed a word or two here and there.

The two things that must be rewritten:

1) Your personal statement. It can still have the same point, but it needs to be started totally from scratch (ie. no cutting and pasting of paragraphs from last year).

2) Your secondary answers. Again, your answer can have the same point but schools aren't going to want to see the same essay that resulted in a rejection last year (and, from what I understand, many schools keep your previous year's application).

Other than that, as noted above, you should definitely call schools to find out what you can improve as "If you are a reapplicant, what have you done to improve your chances of admission" is a common secondary question. Might want to add another letter of rec if appropriate as well. good luck!

 

[Lamborghini1315]

A rejection should only fuel your passion, fortunately i got accepted on my first try but i didn't have a back up plan going in..i knew all along that this was it for me. You sort of have to stop focusing on the negatives..if you do not end up with any acceptances then sit back and formulate a plan of action for next year applications. Second time around you are going to be more familiar with the process, so you are more likely to do the right stuff. Anyways, don't sweat it..everyone's capable of a great comeback!