Hi all, This is my first time applying and I graduated from college this past May. I am already complete at all the schools that I applied. For this gap year, I am just planning on working at some doctor's office. If by next July I am sitting on a couple wait lists and have no acceptances, I am definitely planning on reapplying, but I also read schools check to see how you improved your application. This really confuses me because if I am already currently in this application cycle, I am obviously not looking for more ECs or taking any classes or retaking the MCAT. Even if next July I decide maybe I should retake the MCAT to strengthen my app, I need at least a good two month to study. This gives me a test date in august and I probably won't be done with secondaries until September, pushing my whole application really late. I don't understand what improvements schools are hoping to see if you are already done with school and just working for some pocket money. I guess what I really don't like is the whole timing of the cycle. By the time you realize you are not getting in anywhere, it's already too late to boost your stats and apply early to be competitive for next cycle....
You might not like this answer, but if you are at all unsure if you will matriculate this cycle (which should include almost everybody, as we all know, nobody is guaranteed a spot, regardless of GPA, MCAT, or ECs), you need to begin working now on building a better resume for next cycle. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. You're right it does suck, because you might do a bunch of stuff to improve your apps, then find out it wasn't necessary because you got in. But I would sooner do it and not need to to, than need to and not do it.
lol I knew someone would say this. Well yeah I applied this year as opposed to last year because I felt I would be more competitive this year, and no my stats are not horrific. Only reason I am asking is if worst case scenario, I got no acceptances.
The first step in reapplying is putting your name next to the application field that says "Name _________" jk If you think you aren't going to make it this round, you do need to take MCATs earlier. The biggest mistake I've seen reapplicants make is applying late, for any reason. Secondly, you should get your head out of the undergrad ideas of what constitutes "good pre-med experiences." Rare bits of shadowing, doing something related to medicine without seeing actual medicine (like working the front desk in a doctor's office), or putting in completely unrelated volunteer time is minor league fluff. You gotta step up your game. Go after clinical research opportunities, medically relevant bench research, graduate level classes related to medicine, crush the MCAT etc. Don't wait till next July to decide. If you are to fill out an application 9 months from now, you need to prove through proof of action that you are an improved candidate compared to right now. "More of the same" isn't gonna cut it. FOR NOW you should just wait to hear back from a few places and get a feel of whether you have a chance this year. If you get rejected, call up schools and get reasons. Then address those reasons when planning for next year.
If you are smart, you are doing things that you enjoy and that are noteworthy between now and when you interview. So, when asked at the interview if you have any up-dates to your file, you will have a few things to mention (volunteering one Saturday each month, working at a job that is enjoyable and/or challenging, keeping up with current issues in health policy and/or medical science). If you are a strong applicant and have applied "smart" you should have 3 interviews and one offer before New Year. If so, no worries. If not, from Jan 1 through April you prepare to retake the MCAT. If you have an offer before April, you cancel your MCAT date. If not, take the MCAT. If you have nothing but waitlists in May, prepare your new AMCAS. Add at least one letter (from your employer) to the letters you submitted the previous year. Consider re-writing your AMCAS application taking into account how this gap year has reinforced or changed your thoughts about why you want to practice medicine. June: apply. July: submit secondaries, etc, etc.
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