How does it hurt to be a re-applicant? Does it....

[jules0328]

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I rarely post anything here...but I need to know from you guys if there are any disadvantages to being a reapplicant?

Reason being, yesterday, I decided to cancel my MCAT test date, and I cancelled my AMCAS and AACOMAS applications. I was still not verified by either of them and was able to do so.

I have been going through some really hard times recently, and just felt that mentally I wasnt doing so great to take this exam. My kaplan and AAMC practice scores were way low, 17-22 and felt like I needed more time to study.

So, had I taken the MCAT and done poorly (which probably would have been the case), I most likely would have gotten rejected from schools anyway. How would that have affected my application for next years 2007 cycle?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[mizzoudude]

Jules,

I don't think that it would hurt your application at all. I think it might help if anythiing. You took time off to improve your credentials, get more practice for the MCAT, etc. I think if you especially explain this in your statement or if you go talk to the admissions counselors and become familiar with them, they would see that you are mature enough to make a decision to take a year off.

I am doing the same thing by taking a year off, doing a masters program, taking the MCAT next april, etc. and then applying in 2006 for the 2007 class.

This is all just my opinion and I hope it helps. Good luck and stay positive.

 

[klp14]

I think you'll be fine, especially if you take the April MCAT. You'll be one step ahead of all the Aug MCATers out there next year. Try not to stress too much. This whole process makes us one big stress-ball and it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck!

 

[jules0328]

Thank you guys, for the support. I have been suffering from major depression and just couldnt see myself taking the test. My family, and my husband dont seem to understand the amount of time and effort that the MCATs are. But thanks. I appreciate your support.

I just know that I will be able to perform in April and will have more prep time to do so.

And yes, this whole process is extremely stressful. And noone seems to understand it unless you are in it.

 

[atrovariousg]

however, failing and then doing well looks better than not trying at all

 

[jules0328]

however, failing and then doing well looks better than not trying at all

Who says anything about not trying at all? Can you elaborate on this?

If you mean give up, I am not giving up? I am going to take the MCATs in April instead. Why have a poor MCAT score set me back. Plus, I know my pre med commitee will frown upon me for it. The chances of them recommending me for med school with a low MCAT are somewhat low.

 

[mshheaddoc]

So wait did you still apply if you withdrew? Would that count?

I think you did the right thing for you. I had a friend in a similar situation for April MCAT and is taking August MCAT.

 

[CUarzt]

im entirely confused by your scenario joules: the way youve presented it, you have cancelled your entire medical school application process, to include the mcat. if this is the case, and you have no verification thru amcas or the osteo route, you will not be a re-applicant.

you also mentioned in a later post your premed committee: is it with these folks you are worried about your re-applicant status?

im not sure what atrovariousg is suggesting: if he's referring to taking the mcat twice (first time poorly, second time with success), i think that's wild. as you know, the mcat should be a one-shot deal, for your personal health and for your application's health.

at any rate, your mental preparation must be your priority before any pencils hit the paper

 

[prana_md]

First, congratulations on taking care of *yourself* first! I had major depression throughout most of the 2005 application cycle, and I am now a reapplicant.

But I don't think you officially, in the eyes of AAMC, etc, will be a reapplicant, since your AMCAS was not verified.

I think taking more time will strengthen your entire application, not just your MCAT.

 

[jules0328]

Right. I was able to withdraw both my AMCAS and AACOMAS applications without being considered a reaplicant next year. This was because my application had not yet been verified. Therefore, they are withdrawn without it staying on record. I called both AMCAS and AACOMAS and made sure of this.

And, yes, as for the MCAT, I mailed back my form with a big REFUND written on it. They give you back 100 bucks. Better than nothing.

I hated having to do this, but felt it was the sanest thing to do. I really have not been well lately and I felt that in the long run it was my mental health that needed to come first. I have been doing a post bacc for about 1 year now and have been going non stop, it was time for me to step back for a second. I am a type A personality, wanting to accomplish everything and giving it my all, but this time, it definitely caught up with me. I crashed, mentally and physically. Now, I am taking this last month to gather myself and pull myself together. It has been really hard having to face friends and relatives and telling them that I withdrew and would be waiting one more year. I am 27 and married, so my time is slowly creeping up for having children. While I strongly believe that all can be done, I still need to give myself time and slow down a bit. Thanks all for your support and advice.

 

[ekydrd]

OK, take a deep breath.... now let it out. Everything will work out just fine.

Just be prepared to explain what you did during the intervening time to improve your package... i.e. take graduate level classes (which you've been doing... but it's ok to take one or two at a time instead of a full load), shadow doctors (esp. ones you can get great LORs from), do something related to medicine such as volunteer work or work in a research lab. And, yes... please prepare for and take the exam in April. You will be much better prepared and, hopefully, better able to cope mentally with the additional time. Taking some time for yourself is not a bad thing at all!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

[DD214_DOC]

Don't quote me on this, but I remember reading that reapplicants statistically have a lower chance of acceptance than first-time applicants. Is this true?

 

[no game pimp]

Don't quote me on this, but I remember reading that reapplicants statistically have a lower chance of acceptance than first-time applicants. Is this true?

actually i heard the exact opposite. reapplication shows dedication and often gives the applicant another year to mature, grow, and flesh themselves out as a person.


to the OP-- stay strong! take care of yourself before anything!! you'll soon be taking care of others for your career, so now is the time to do what YOU need to do for YOURSELF.

 

[jules0328]

I am taking deep breaths. Its fine! As far as being a reapplicant. Since I withdrew my apps, I am not considered a reapplicant. As far as taking upper level classes. I sort of cant at this point. I literally ran out of money, and can only afford to take organic I this coming semester and then take orgo II with lab and that is the extent of it. I have not worked in a year and my financial aid was completely denied, personal private loans and all. So, I am prety much screwed. I wanted to take genetics, and now I cant. Totally sucks.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

actually i heard the exact opposite. reapplication shows dedication and often gives the applicant another year to mature, grow, and flesh themselves out as a person.

that's what i've heard, too. now, if you don't do anything constructive in your year off to improve your app, your odds of getting in will probably be bad since your app didn't work the first time around. i don't think adcoms would hold anything against a person who worked hard to improve their app and reapplied -- if they do, they're idiots.