How often do schools limit the amount of reapplications?

[Jaigantic]

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I remember seeing a few schools state that after 2 unsuccessful application cycles at that specific school, they won't consider that applicant in future cycles. I was just wondering if this is a common practice among most schools. Many of the schools I want to reapply to don't have that info clearly listed out on their website but I don't want to call or email each school individually.

Thanks in advance!

 

[chaim123]

I remember seeing a few schools state that after 2 unsuccessful application cycles at that specific school, they won't consider that applicant in future cycles. I was just wondering if this is a common practice among most schools. Many of the schools I want to reapply to don't have that info clearly listed out on their website but I don't want to call or email each school individually.

Thanks in advance!

You don't want to waste money just to be screened out. Its worth it to know.

 

[Jaigantic]

You don't want to waste money just to be screened out. Its worth it to know.

Well this would only be my second application cycle so I wouldn't be screened out at any schools. I'm just asking in case I have to apply a 3rd time. For those schools that only allow a max of 2 applications, I would avoid applying to so that I have a greater shot at them during the 3rd cycle, should it come to that point

 

[gyngyn]

Well this would only be my second application cycle so I wouldn't be screened out at any schools. I'm just asking in case I have to apply a 3rd time. For those schools that only allow a max of 2 applications, I would avoid applying to so that I have a greater shot at them during the 3rd cycle, should it come to that point

Alternatively, delay your application until it is as strong as as you would want it to be at these schools.

 

[Jaigantic]

Alternatively, delay your application until it is as strong as as you would want it to be at these schools.

I was considering that but, assuming I have the money, wouldn't it make more sense to apply as many times as possible to maximize my chances?

I am an international applicant with a relatively strong application with high GPA and MCAT, several hundred hours of clinical and nonclinical volunteering, mostly in disadvantaged communities, thousands of hours of research, well-rounded hobbites, etc.. I don't know what else I can do other than revise essays and such to convince these schools to interview and accept me!

 

[gyngyn]

I was considering that but, assuming I have the money, wouldn't it make more sense to apply as many times as possible to maximize my chances?

I am an international applicant with a relatively strong application with high GPA and MCAT, several hundred hours of clinical and nonclinical volunteering, mostly in disadvantaged communities, thousands of hours of research, well-rounded hobbites, etc.. I don't know what else I can do other than revise essays and such to convince these schools to interview and accept me!

Multiple attempts is not a recommended strategy. It can sometimes work if you are a resident of a state with only one medical school. As an international you will not have the advantage of residency, though.
A high stats applicant, in particular should do everything possible not to become a re-applicant.

 

[Jaigantic]

Multiple attempts is not a recommended strategy. It can sometimes work if you are a resident of a state with only one medical school, though. As an international you will not have the advantage of residency, though.
A high stats applicant, in particular should do everything possible not to become a re-applicant.

Why is it especially bad for a high stats applicant to become a reapplicant? Because it indicates that theres probably a major red flag? If that's the case, wouldn't it be clear for the international applicant that his international status is the red flag, and thus not actually a red flag in the sense of something that indicates a character flaw?

 

[gyngyn]

Why is it especially bad for a high stats applicant to become a reapplicant? Because it indicates that theres probably a major red flag? If that's the case, wouldn't it be clear for the international applicant that his international status is the red flag, and thus not actually a red flag in the sense of something that indicates a character flaw?

You are correct. If stats aren't the problem it must be something else. The higher the stats, the scarier the list of possible explanations.
You are also right that just being international could be an explanation, but many high stats internationals are accepted and the possibility that one of the other reasons could be at play will be considered.
The more applications the higher the risk is perceived to be.
I hope you are successful this cycle, but if you are not, take all the time necessary to make your next application the last one.

 

[Jaigantic]

You are correct. If stats aren't the problem it must be something else. The higher the stats, the scarier the list of possible explanations.
You are also right that just being international could be an explanation, but many high stats internationals are accepted and the possibility that one of the other reasons could be at play will be considered.
The more applications the higher the risk is perceived to be.

I suppose it's worthwhile to skip this cycle then. Any suggestions on what endeavors I can pursue during my gap year to set me apart and make up for the international handicap? I think I may have at least 1, if not 2, publications within the year. I'm not sure what other compelling activities I ought to do.

 

[gyngyn]

I suppose it's worthwhile to skip this cycle then. Any suggestions on what endeavors I can pursue during my gap year to set me apart and make up for the international handicap? I think I may have at least 1, if not 2, publications within the year. I'm not sure what other compelling activities I ought to do.

Anything that develops skills or uses your (apparently ample) abilities to help others is recommended.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Do any of the school you applied to give applicant feedback after the cycle? Most probably don't but you hear on here about a few that do. Something like that might help you figure out what areas to work on.

 

[Jaigantic]

Do any of the school you applied to give applicant feedback after the cycle? Most probably don't but you hear on here about a few that do. Something like that might help you figure out what areas to work on.

Already emailed all of the schools and almost all of them told me that they don't give feedback. One school told me that I should focus more on leadership wherein I'm "leading peers", which kind of confused me because one of the ECs (around 125 hours) that I put under the "leadership" category, is literally titled "Peer leader for Biology course". That was even the job title. It is basically an on-campus tutor position for general biology where I facilitate discussion among other undergrads to help them answer their questions, as a group.