How much does being a re-applicant hurt you?

[redear]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I couldn't exactly find this question anywhere, but if it exists sorry for creating another thread.

So I am scheduled to take the August MCATs (16th of August) i was originally scheduled to take mine in August for for a number of personal reasons chose to postpone my date as I knew I wouldn't be ready. I know taking the MCATs in August can severely hurt my application, but I still was considering trying to apply this cycle. I think I'm a fairly competitive applicant, but nothing extraordinary. (Top 20 undergrad, 3.67 gpa, outstanding ECs and volunteer work and clinical work, and some research but doing another full year's worth of research during my year off)

I really want to apply this cycle for a number of reasons--but I'm worried that I'll end up not getting in many places and will have to apply again next cycle. How much will it hurt to me to be a re-applicant next cycle if that has to happen? Should I just wait till next cycle to apply and suck it up? If I can get in to even my lower choices for med school this cycle I would be very happy--but I don't want to ruin my chances for next cycle if I don't end up getting interviews anywhere after taking a late MCAT.

Any advice?

 

[cookiemonsters]

I wouldn't apply this cycle... at best you'll be complete by around September 20th. I speak from personal experience that this will probably KILL your chances at the large majority of schools, especially with a relatively average GPA. Unless your MCAT is like 37+ suck it up and do it right next year.

 

[somefun]

.

 

[mcloaf]

Don't apply that late.

 

[nabilesmail]

I think he knows his chances aren't great, but, if that would affect his next year.

If you do plan on applying, make sure your AAMC FL tests are at or above matriculant average (31ish consistently). Turn in your application 1 week before your MCAT (so score+ verification time come out at same time). Pre-write secondaries during waiting period (ALL OF THEM). You MUST be complete by mid Sept at the latest. Also, get your essays edited multiple times.

With all of this, you have a decent chance of STILL not getting in. Applying is a very stressful process, its up to you if you can handle it. You can do all that and go in with no expectations but don't rely on it. Also, the tier of medical school your aiming at can also be compromised compared to if you apply early next cycle. Are you okay with that?

Not to mention the amount of money needed to apply.

Overall, applying is a HUGE emotional, time, and financial investment, and your chances though not 0 are not great. Up to you if its worth it.

 

[McNCheese]

The earliest you'll be complete is mid-September, and that is really pushing it. If you become a re-applicant because your apps are late, I don't think it will affect you too much if you apply early in the next year. I honestly would just postpone your application a year. I know that's not what you want to hear, but after going through this process, I wouldn't recommend applying if there is a good chance you will need to reapply the following year.

Do it once; do it right.