How should you make the choice to reapply or throw in the towel?

[dulapeep]

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I was recently asked by a friend what I would do if I didn't get into medical school this time around. For context, this is my second application cycle. I'm due to hear back from the schools I've interviewed at in the next month or so, but as I'm in this waiting period, the question of whether or not to reapply again if I don't get in has been weighing heavy on me. After my first application cycle, I knew where I could improve - I had tangible goals to reach for like improving my MCAT and gaining more clinical experience - so the path forward was clear. I truly do not know what I would do if I didn't get in this time around, though. I feel like I put together the best application I could have and wouldn't know how to significantly improve from here. Additionally, I do not know if I have the financial resources or mental energy to go through this process a third time. Yet no matter how hard I try, I can't imagine any other career path for myself.

For those of you who have been in a similar position, how did you decide to move forward? I know that I can't count myself out until the decisions are in, but I hate feeling so unprepared for this potential outcome.

 

[chilly_md]

Did you apply DO the second time? That is something students should do to get a clearer idea of where they stand.

Typically, people would consider alternative careers if they have to do significantly more work to repair their GPA and improve their MCAT beyond their current situation.

Edit: I see you have high stats and got an interview. I had to reapply and was successful afterwards on the second try. Hopefully you make it through, but getting an interview means you already are closer to being accepted than most and shouldn’t give up just yet.

 

[dulapeep]

Did you apply DO the second time? That is something students should do to get a clearer idea of where they stand.

Typically, people would consider alternative careers if they have to do significantly more work to repair their GPA and improve their MCAT beyond their current situation.

Edit: I see you have high stats and got an interview. I had to reapply and was successful afterwards on the second try. Hopefully you make it through, but getting an interview means you already are closer to being accepted than most and shouldn’t give up just yet.

I was on the fence about applying DO the second time given my improved stats - I had kind of conflicting advice re: yield protection and my lack of demonstrated interest in DO via shadowing, rec letters, etc, so I ultimately didn't apply DO thinking that I didn't really have much of a shot there. I suppose that's something that I can keep in mind when deciding whether or not to reapply, maybe finding a DO to shadow so that my options are more open!

 

[Dral]

I suppose that's something that I can keep in mind when deciding whether or not to reapply, maybe finding a DO to shadow so that my options are more open!

You've just answered your own question. If you don't get in this cycle and still want to be a physician, that is how you improve your app and apply again. It looks like from your signature that you applied fairly broadly. You could consider applying to some MD schools next time around under the assumption that sometimes the process can be random, but get your DO shadowing experience and go all in on DO schools as well.

Hopefully you'll get in this cycle though. Good luck!

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Never give up.