I dont like the school I got into, should I reapply next fall?

[Gut Shot]

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got that right. he once said "I owe all of my accomplishments to Tulane". that's a lie. but still.
-mota

Yeah, that's like saying "I owe all of my accomplishments to the sustained flow of blood to my mother's womb in 1973."

 

[Law2Doc]

I don't think it's the name that carries the day, I think it's when the #1 or #2 guy in the field you want to match in calls the PD for you and says "This guy is good" instead of having a letter from Dr. Random. That's the advantage of going to a top school, not the fact that the name sounds good.

Sure, but going to the best med school doesn't mean a big name guy will know who you are or acknowledge your existence. Far more state school Dr. Random's are going to pull strings to help you.

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

A lot of people have posted comments that are something along the order of "You can be a great doctor anywhere" and "just be happy where you get in". This was not the OP's concern. From what I gathered, he is not concerned with rank or status as much as being trapped at a particular school where he knows he will be unhappy. He even says, "I'm sure its a great school." I think us pre-meds have been bitch-slapped too much. We have learned a "bend over and take it" mentality. Get some balls. OP, if you don't want to live in Oklahoma, then dont go. Do something legit this year, apply to schools you want to go to (but not just top-10's!!), and you'll be fine. As Walter Sobchak once said, "If you will it, it is no dream"

 

[MDCali]

A lot of people have posted comments that are something along the order of "You can be a great doctor anywhere" and "just be happy where you get in". This was not the OP's concern. From what I gathered, he is not concerned with rank or status as much as being trapped at a particular school where he knows he will be unhappy. He even says, "I'm sure its a great school." I think us pre-meds have been bitch-slapped too much. We have learned a "bend over and take it" mentality. Get some balls. OP, if you don't want to live in Oklahoma, then dont go. Do something legit this year, apply to schools you want to go to (but not just top-10's!!), and you'll be fine. As Walter Sobchak once said, "If you will it, it is no dream"

Ya that all sounds very nice but realistically, I think he'll make a huge mistake, even with his outstanding numbers like others have already stated.

I have never been to Oklahoma, but what is SOOOOOOOOOO bad about it? Is it not the United States? Is there no clean water? No shelter? War? Come on. Yes it might be more pleasurable to be in a more vibrant place such as New York, but there is a difference between finding pleasure and finding happiness. I sympathize with the original poster in that it does suck going to a place you are not so excited to be at because I am in the same situation. However, a great location doesn't equal happiness. There are depressed people in many locations and happy people in many locations. Whatever differences there may be between OU and NYU or whatever, I'm sure they're probably not worth declining an acceptance.

 

[drmota]

I have never been to Oklahoma, but what is SOOOOOOOOOO bad about it? Is it not the United States? Is there no clean water? No shelter? War? Come on. Yes it might be more pleasurable to be in a more vibrant place such as New York, but there is a difference between finding pleasure and finding happiness. I sympathize with the original poster in that it does suck going to a place you are not so excited to be at because I am in the same situation. However, a great location doesn't equal happiness. There are depressed people in many locations and happy people in many locations. Whatever differences there may be between OU and NYU or whatever, I'm sure they're probably not worth declining an acceptance.

i agree with MDCali. happiness is a state of mind. besides, the OP is FROM Oklahoma. It's not like he's used to the big-city life or anything.

On another note, has the OP even written anything since he posed his dilemma? i hate when the OP just gives out bait and doesn't join the discussion. why are we still arguing about this if he's not? besides, nobody can really make this decision for him but himself. from all the posts its pretty obvious that the verdict is he should go if he doesn't get in anywhere else. and he is still waiting for 2 other schools anyway!
-mota

 

[happydays]

Ya that all sounds very nice but realistically, I think he'll make a huge mistake, even with his outstanding numbers like others have already stated.

I have never been to Oklahoma, but what is SOOOOOOOOOO bad about it? Is it not the United States? Is there no clean water? No shelter? War? Come on. Yes it might be more pleasurable to be in a more vibrant place such as New York, but there is a difference between finding pleasure and finding happiness. I sympathize with the original poster in that it does suck going to a place you are not so excited to be at because I am in the same situation. However, a great location doesn't equal happiness. There are depressed people in many locations and happy people in many locations. Whatever differences there may be between OU and NYU or whatever, I'm sure they're probably not worth declining an acceptance.

Agreed!

And what do the people at Oklahoma think of their state? Their state postal code says it all: OK!

 

[Shredder]

A lot of people have posted comments that are something along the order of "You can be a great doctor anywhere" and "just be happy where you get in". This was not the OP's concern. From what I gathered, he is not concerned with rank or status as much as being trapped at a particular school where he knows he will be unhappy. He even says, "I'm sure its a great school." I think us pre-meds have been bitch-slapped too much. We have learned a "bend over and take it" mentality. Get some balls. OP, if you don't want to live in Oklahoma, then dont go. Do something legit this year, apply to schools you want to go to (but not just top-10's!!), and you'll be fine. As Walter Sobchak once said, "If you will it, it is no dream"

im with zoom. premeds are all conditioned to be wimps. OP isnt trashing OK, but if its not for him then its just not for him. OP of course consider the practical arguments here but not the bend over and take it ones, thats crap. maybe the OP shouldnt have applied there in the first place, but its too late to do anything about that and sometimes ppl find things out after applying. doing secondaries and interviews would be a big hassle, but if youre up to the challenge more power to you. i dunno how it would reflect on your future app...the consensus seems to be negatively, but you cant be sure just based on sdn speculations.

as for the context of my posts here, im at ut austin for undergrad and discontent. looking for a change

 

[indynshrty]

If you don't like the school, don't go there. Yes, it's a medical school, and yes, a lot of people would jump at the chance to go to a medical school, but in the end, it's YOU and not them.
If you know you won't be happy there, then don't go - it would suck to be unhappy in a city, and then on top of it be going through what maybe the four hardest years of your life.
Don't worry about what others would do - do what you want to do.

 

[DarkFark]

I'm gonna throw in my $0.02... I'm in the camp of people who think the OP should 'settle' for OU. A couple reasons:

-From the doctors I have met and spoken to, I gather that the priority of credentials for applying for residency is as follows

>Scores on UMSLE Step I
>Grades/LORs
>Where you went to school


Now where you go to school can help or hurt your board scores, but if the OP had a 3.9/34, I'm betting the board scores should be fine.

-The OP says that he will not be all that happy at OU. This is a legitimate concern, and I think happiness/fit is one of the, if not most important factor in selecting a school. Definitely more important than prestige. But I ask you this: where will you be more unhappy- at a school that isn't quite right for you, or sweating another year of *the application process*. No matter where you go, you will be spending most of your time in classrooms and libraries for two years, and hospitals for two more years. It's not like you'll have hundreds of hours of free time to spend in NYC vs. OK.

-While 60 volunteer hours isn't alot, it is sufficient. Racking up more is nice, but hardly essential. There are some serious diminishing returns here. 600 volunteers hours is NOT ten times better than 60, in the admissions sense. I say this because I had 700 of the damned things, and that fact hardly ever came up in interviews. Maybe once or twice out of ~15 interviews at 10 schools. And there were plenty more that didn't interview me at all. Bottom line, more hours would help, but not enough to offset re-applicant stigma.

-On a slightly unrelated note, I think the OP applied to too few schools. I would have done maybe 15, particularly adding more 'mid-level' schools. If he applies again, I would use at least that many, since he will have alienated his most reliable safety, OU.

 

[Jcan]

You have the right to choose where you want to live and attend medical school. I turned down a spot at St Georges and Ross in the caribbean in order to retake the mcat and apply to Texas schools. I had a great GPA but knew that my mact score was too low to be competitive in Texas. As a matter of fact i did not even apply to Texas schools my first go round. I retook the mcat, got a good enough score and was recently accepted to UT Southwestern. The point I am trying to make is know your reason... Explain it well if asked during an interview. Because of the structure of the Texas application I had to disclose all my previous acceptances, but i was very frank during my interviews about my intentions to stay in texas and avoid high tuition costs by going out of the country. Be passionate about your reasons and I think you will be fine. However... think it over very carefully before you make your decision. I know adcoms are very high on individuals who are motivated to work in underserved areas. As far as i know this certainly applies to Oklahoma.

 

[phosphorus pet]

On another note, has the OP even written anything since he posed his dilemma? i hate when the OP just gives out bait and doesn't join the discussion. why are we still arguing about this if he's not? besides, nobody can really make this decision for him but himself. from all the posts its pretty obvious that the verdict is he should go if he doesn't get in anywhere else. and he is still waiting for 2 other schools anyway!
-mota

Ya. I am still here. I am really enjoying this discussion and everyone has addressed my main concerns.

Just to clarify this - I know it seems like I really just want a 'big name' (perhaps there is a little truth to this), but ultimately I really just want an environment that I will excel in. OU Med has tremendous opportunities and wonderful innovative ideas (especially impressed with the extreme emphasis on the arts and their connection with medicine). BUT, nonetheless, the interview day left a bad taste in my mouth.

However, after reading all the comments on this thread, I have decided that reapplication is not an option. I was unsure of the severe consequences I could face from such a decision when I first posted - but hey, thats why I posted. So in the end, I think I am going to side with the 'shut the f*ck up' posts and push for the other three and take whatever I can get.

Thanks for all the input

 

[argonana]

Don't worry about what the adcoms would think of your decision. Don't worry about the possibility of not getting into med school in the future, because there are a TON of other variables involved with that issue. Life is too short--don't force yourself into something you're not excited about.

If you had to reapply, however, I would STRONGLY encourage you to wait at least another year before doing so. That time could be spent doing anything that interests you.

Having said that, I think this entire thread is a bit irrelevant, as you will probably get into NYU anyway. It hasn't been long since you interviewed there.

 

[happydays]

Ya. I am still here. I am really enjoying this discussion and everyone has addressed my main concerns.

Just to clarify this - I know it seems like I really just want a 'big name' (perhaps there is a little truth to this), but ultimately I really just want an environment that I will excel in. OU Med has tremendous opportunities and wonderful innovative ideas (especially impressed with the extreme emphasis on the arts and their connection with medicine). BUT, nonetheless, the interview day left a bad taste in my mouth.

However, after reading all the comments on this thread, I have decided that reapplication is not an option. I was unsure of the severe consequences I could face from such a decision when I first posted - but hey, thats why I posted. So in the end, I think I am going to side with the 'shut the f*ck up' posts and push for the other three and take whatever I can get.

Thanks for all the input

Alternatively, you can start a "Can I trade my acceptance with you?" thread. It will be a place to look for that special someone who also hates his/her only acceptance and is willing to do anything to make a change. I don't know, give it a try. 👍

 

[phosphorus pet]

Alternatively, you can start a "Can I trade my acceptance with you?" thread. It will be a place to look for that special someone who also hates his/her only acceptance and is willing to do anything to make a change. I don't know, give it a try. :thumbsup:

Good idea, where'd you get in???

 

[happydays]

Good idea, where'd you get in???

I'm sorry, I'm not that special someone that you're looking for. But there are lots of fish in this sea. 🙂

 

[don juan]

If you don't like the school, don't go there. Yes, it's a medical school, and yes, a lot of people would jump at the chance to go to a medical school, but in the end, it's YOU and not them.
If you know you won't be happy there, then don't go - it would suck to be unhappy in a city, and then on top of it be going through what maybe the four hardest years of your life.
Don't worry about what others would do - do what you want to do.[/QUO

What would the OP do during his year off. Volunteer at the local community hospital a couple days a weeks in Tulsa and herd cattle to pay the bills. Life is too short to dedicate a year of it to tweaking a med school application. Lots of people take time off, but time off with a purpose, to pursue something they love or to experience life as a non-student for the first time. Come on, tell me you want to take time off to travel, or work, or decompress or just be out there partying, totally uninhibited - no tests, no deadlines - but don't tell me you wanna spend a year of your life dotting the eyes on the AMCAS application. How passionless is that. Perhaps you're having a little bit of doubt about medicine and are searching for a reason to stall?

 

[latinfridley]

Ya. I am still here. I am really enjoying this discussion and everyone has addressed my main concerns.

Just to clarify this - I know it seems like I really just want a 'big name' (perhaps there is a little truth to this), but ultimately I really just want an environment that I will excel in. OU Med has tremendous opportunities and wonderful innovative ideas (especially impressed with the extreme emphasis on the arts and their connection with medicine). BUT, nonetheless, the interview day left a bad taste in my mouth.

However, after reading all the comments on this thread, I have decided that reapplication is not an option. I was unsure of the severe consequences I could face from such a decision when I first posted - but hey, thats why I posted. So in the end, I think I am going to side with the 'shut the f*ck up' posts and push for the other three and take whatever I can get.

Thanks for all the input

You made the right choice. Congrats.

 

[DrLalich]

Did not see your decision to not reapply. Sorry for the nasty post.

 

[drmota]

Ya. I am still here. I am really enjoying this discussion and everyone has addressed my main concerns.

Just to clarify this - I know it seems like I really just want a 'big name' (perhaps there is a little truth to this), but ultimately I really just want an environment that I will excel in. OU Med has tremendous opportunities and wonderful innovative ideas (especially impressed with the extreme emphasis on the arts and their connection with medicine). BUT, nonetheless, the interview day left a bad taste in my mouth.

However, after reading all the comments on this thread, I have decided that reapplication is not an option. I was unsure of the severe consequences I could face from such a decision when I first posted - but hey, thats why I posted. So in the end, I think I am going to side with the 'shut the f*ck up' posts and push for the other three and take whatever I can get.

Thanks for all the input

awesome. i was just trying to pressure you into posting your thoughts. i agree with your choice, but do believe that with your stats you have a good shot at the other schools you interviewed at. best of luck to you.
-mota

 

[phosphorus pet]

awesome. i was just trying to pressure you into posting your thoughts. i agree with your choice, but do believe that with your stats you have a good shot at the other schools you interviewed at. best of luck to you.
-mota

thanks. I really appreciate everyones thoughts on this.

 

[DarkFark]

However, after reading all the comments on this thread, I have decided that reapplication is not an option. I was unsure of the severe consequences I could face from such a decision when I first posted - but hey, thats why I posted. So in the end, I think I am going to side with the 'shut the f*ck up' posts and push for the other three and take whatever I can get.

Thanks for all the input

👍 👍 👍

Don't worry about what the adcoms would think of your decision. Don't worry about the possibility of not getting into med school in the future, because there are a TON of other variables involved with that issue. Life is too short--don't force yourself into something you're not excited about.

I know it's kind of moot at this point, but sometimes I can't resist an argument. The OP wants to be a physician. Presumably, this essential goal should outstrip any of the details of how one becomes a physician, given the investment and time involved. Med school = 4 years, Career = decades. If you want to become a doctor, isn't the fulfilment of that goal significantly more important than the details of how it is fulfilled? Also, we're not talking MD vs. DO vs. Carib, were looking at the different between US allopathic schools, which isn't huge

Also, if there are a bunch of variables involved with application in the future, why take risks?

Sorry for being so fractious, I just want to see where you're coming from. I don't doubt that the OP should strive for happiness, I just see it as risking the fulfilment of a lifes ambition (which is... important to happiness) against
spending a year or more and risking it all to do better within that range of success.

 

[red dot]

you'll have to do all of it, all over again, for another 365 days and nights. the application year chokes on a bag of dicks. and in-state tuition rocks. i'd do in-state if i could, being from california especially. and. *drum roll* you're IN. that's all any of us ever really wanted for ourselves anyway.

if you really think you'll regret it one day when you're really too old to change things, then reapply. but i, like everyone else, recommend against it. i know someone who was in your situation last year. and this year he still hasn't gotten an interview yet...

good luck!

 

[argonana]

I know it's kind of moot at this point, but sometimes I can't resist an argument. The OP wants to be a physician. Presumably, this essential goal should outstrip any of the details of how one becomes a physician, given the investment and time involved. Med school = 4 years, Career = decades. If you want to become a doctor, isn't the fulfilment of that goal significantly more important than the details of how it is fulfilled? Also, we're not talking MD vs. DO vs. Carib, were looking at the different between US allopathic schools, which isn't huge

Also, if there are a bunch of variables involved with application in the future, why take risks?

Sorry for being so fractious, I just want to see where you're coming from. I don't doubt that the OP should strive for happiness, I just see it as risking the fulfilment of a lifes ambition (which is... important to happiness) against
spending a year or more and risking it all to do better within that range of success.

Well, I think the OP would be risking something either way...
If he were to matriculate at OU and did indeed become miserable there, I think it could be very difficult for him to excel. Getting accepted to medical school is only the first step in this process...it certainly doesn't guarantee the MD, high marks, publications, great friendships, or anything else. I suppose the OP would at least have the benefit of having a nearby family/friend support system, since his school is in-state, but he probably wouldn't have much time to spend with those folks anyway. If he is a super-resilient being, then fine, he'll be okay...but having seen a dozen or so happy, normal people drop out of my college (a great school with not-so-great culture in a pretty bad location) over four years, I've learned that having that thick skin is not so common...usually there's a limit to one's resilience. I would imagine that that is particularly true when one is facing the stresses of medical school.

Obviously, though, if the OP chooses to pass up his sole acceptance and to reapply sometime in the future, he *will* be risking not getting accepted. However, I think that there are a ton of things that he could do in his time off (provided that time would be long enough) to broaden his experience and ultimately improve his application to medical school.

 

[Med01]

Ya. I am still here. I am really enjoying this discussion and everyone has addressed my main concerns.

Just to clarify this - I know it seems like I really just want a 'big name' (perhaps there is a little truth to this), but ultimately I really just want an environment that I will excel in. OU Med has tremendous opportunities and wonderful innovative ideas (especially impressed with the extreme emphasis on the arts and their connection with medicine). BUT, nonetheless, the interview day left a bad taste in my mouth.

However, after reading all the comments on this thread, I have decided that reapplication is not an option. I was unsure of the severe consequences I could face from such a decision when I first posted - but hey, thats why I posted. So in the end, I think I am going to side with the 'shut the f*ck up' posts and push for the other three and take whatever I can get.

Thanks for all the input

I completely understand what the OP is saying. I think that at many times in life, we can think if we only have choice #1 (for significant other, job, school, residency) we will be happy. .

Recently, I saw a diagram in a book about getting into residency. Essentially it addressed the same issue (that same people think they will only be happy if they get into path #1= win = happiness). All other paths to them = unhappiness. Then on the next diagram, it said, a better way to think about decisions is any of 5 paths = win = happiness. The author said that thinking that only 1 path = happiness would turn into a lifetime of misery and disappointment.

I think there some truth to this. even in life when I had some choices happen which were really NOT what I wanted, I realized every experience, even hard ones, have something to offer. And also, better significant others, jobs etc. that were a match for me came instead of the no 1 choices...

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

If the OP is willing to take on a new perspective and realize he can be happy in Oklahoma, or if the OP merely has his sights set unrealistically high and needs to realize the value of the school he has, then I concede that it is indeed the best choice to go wherever you are accepted. However, I stand by my argument that if, theoretically, you knew you were going to be dreadfully unhappy at place X, you should avoid place X. Frankly, the argument that he should endure 4 years of unhappiness instead of re-applying implies a great risk that he might never be accepted to another med school again, which is unrealistic and, I believe, the biased opinion of those at the end of a long process who wouldn't dream of repeating it ever again (no offense intended).

I really don't understand the argument about being a doctor as your number one goal, and who cares how you get there, etc. Life is all about the process, not the goal. Would you say the same thing about residency? Where do you draw the line with how much unhappiness you are willing to take to get to your goal? I do agree with everybody that becoming a doctor is ultimately more important than avoiding 4 years of unhappiness, but like I said above this example is a false dichotomy and really doesn't apply. I agree with most of you, though, that the fact that he will actually be unhappy at Oklahoma is dubious

 

[crazy_cavalier]

theres a correlation between caliber of school one attends and measure of success attained.

The Head and Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia got his MD degree from EVMS. Not exactly a top ten school.

People shouldn't assume that going to a more "prestigious" medical school guarauntees greater success. That's bull****, and it annoys me to see such elitist BS come up in a thread like this. Ultimately, it's YOU and not the school you go to that determines how YOU perform / succeed in your profession.

I'll throw you a bone here by saying that it's obvious certain schools might have the sort of name that could open a few doors to you. But those doors can be opened by your own damn hard work at a less prestigious state school, and ultimately walking your way through that door is something YOU have to do.

 

[Law2Doc]

Frankly, the argument that he should endure 4 years of unhappiness instead of re-applying implies a great risk that he might never be accepted to another med school again, which is unrealistic and, I believe, the biased opinion of those at the end of a long process who wouldn't dream of repeating it ever again (no offense intended).

First - med school isn't summer camp. You are going to endure 4 years of hard work and many hours in the library or hospital no matter where you go. While I've never been to OU, I suspect that the inside of their library looks the same as most of the top 10 ones, and the hospital probably looks comparable. The students will be similar (med school level credentials, albeit with different accents), the professors of the same caliber (possibly better because they are less likely to be research intensive). And the books and subject material will be identical. Sure, the few hours of free time you have per week might not be as enjoyable, but that won't be the largest component of your day - it's not like you spend much time sightseeing in med school, and so if there's a nearby movie theater, pizza place and bar, you are all set, because that is all you would frequent in any other locale.
Secondly, yes there certainly is a great risk that the OP wouldn't ever get another med school again, for the reasons raised by the poster above, who suggested the OP would be a less competitive candidate the second time around.
Certainly OU wouldn't touch the OP if their acceptance was rejected. It's hard to rekindle when you leave a bride at the altar.
Reapplicants are not viewed the same way as first time applicants at a lot of schools, especially the top ranked ones, from what I've heard. Substantial improvement is generally expected. And who knows how a given school would regard someone who had an acceptance in hand and rejected it. If I was a non-top school, I wouldn't accept someone who already rejected a med school in a prior year -- as the goal is to try to accept people who will actually come (and not be stuck hoping the best folks on the waitlist are still available when I come calling). And if I was a top ranked school, I would perhaps assume both that this person is prestige hopping, question this person's commitment to medicine, his maturity, and would take into account that his level of competitiveness was already determined by schools in a prior round (i.e. if the person applied before and this school took him, then the process has already decided that this level school is where he/she belongs. i.e. he was not deemed "top school" worthy in 2006, do his new credentials now make him so). So the OP could, in theory, not be guaranteed another acceptance. Why risk it? Do well in med school and do your residency at a top school in four years.

 

[NunoBR]

First - med school isn't summer camp. You are going to endure 4 years of hard work and many hours in the library or hospital no matter where you go. While I've never been to OU, I suspect that the inside of their library looks the same as most of the top 10 ones, and the hospital probably looks comparable. The students will be similar (med school level credentials, albeit with different accents), the professors of the same caliber (possibly better because they are less likely to be research intensive). And the books and subject material will be identical. Sure, the few hours of free time you have per week might not be as enjoyable, but that won't be the largest component of your day - it's not like you spend much time sightseeing in med school, and so if there's a nearby movie theater, pizza place and bar, you are all set, because that is all you would frequent in any other locale.
Secondly, yes there certainly is a great risk that the OP wouldn't ever get another med school again, for the reasons raised by the poster above, who suggested the OP would be a less competitive candidate the second time around.
Certainly OU wouldn't touch the OP if their acceptance was rejected. It's hard to rekindle when you leave a bride at the altar.
Reapplicants are not viewed the same way as first time applicants at a lot of schools, especially the top ranked ones, from what I've heard. Substantial improvement is generally expected. And who knows how a given school would regard someone who had an acceptance in hand and rejected it. If I was a non-top school, I wouldn't accept someone who already rejected a med school in a prior year -- as the goal is to try to accept people who will actually come (and not be stuck hoping the best folks on the waitlist are still available when I come calling). And if I was a top ranked school, I would perhaps assume both that this person is prestige hopping, question this person's commitment to medicine, his maturity, and would take into account that his level of competitiveness was already determined by schools in a prior round (i.e. if the person applied before and this school took him, then the process has already decided that this level school is where he/she belongs. i.e. he was not deemed "top school" worthy in 2006, do his new credentials now make him so). So the OP could, in theory, not be guaranteed another acceptance. Why risk it? Do well in med school and do your residency at a top school in four years.

This is a great response. I think nothing needs to be added after this post. LOL

 

[Doctor Bagel]

To the OP, I might meet you next year at OU! Anyway, I just wanted to reiterate that an interview day doesn't really give you much insight into a school. You only meet 5 or so students and interview with people who'll probably never interact with again once at the school. I imagine that if you talk to lots of OU students and grads, you'll become a bit more content with going there. For starters, you can check out the OU prospective students thread in the allopathic forum. I imagine that you already know lots of people who've gone there from being a premed at OU undergrad, so why not call or email and ask what they think about their school. I've always been convinced that OU was an okay place to be because my brother went there and liked it, which is good enough for me.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

People shouldn't assume that going to a more "prestigious" medical school guarauntees greater success. That's bull****, and it annoys me to see such elitist BS come up in a thread like this. Ultimately, it's YOU and not the school you go to that determines how YOU perform / succeed in your profession.

WOO HOO! Right on, man! 👍

 

[Messerschmitts]

To the OP, I might meet you next year at OU! Anyway, I just wanted to reiterate that an interview day doesn't really give you much insight into a school. You only meet 5 or so students and interview with people who'll probably never interact with again once at the school. I imagine that if you talk to lots of OU students and grads, you'll become a bit more content with going there. For starters, you can check out the OU prospective students thread in the allopathic forum. I imagine that you already know lots of people who've gone there from being a premed at OU undergrad, so why not call or email and ask what they think about their school. I've always been convinced that OU was an okay place to be because my brother went there and liked it, which is good enough for me.

Good post, exlawgrrl. Instead of throwing a pity-party about having to go to OU, the OP should instead be exploring what OU has to offer, and consider the possibility that his/her first impression was inaccurate. I'm sure once she learns more about the school, she'll become more content, or even excited about attending. Who knows? After 4 years she may even grow to love her experience there.

 

[Gut Shot]

So in the end, I think I am going to side with the 'shut the f*ck up' posts and push for the other three and take whatever I can get.

Whether you end up at OU or some other school this year, there will come many moments when you will be really, REALLY glad that you didn't reapply. When you're an M2 you'll look at all the little M1's and think "Those poor bastards, glad I'm done with all that M1 bull****." The same will happen when you're an M4 and the utterly clueless M3's are hitting the wards.

Matching, graduating and having a salary is pretty damn cool, too. There is no good reason to delay the whole process. You would actually be losing a ton of money, to boot (unless you push retirement back a year).

 

[gary5]

If your stats are GPA > 3.5 and MCAT > 30, then I'd feel better about declining and reapplying. If they're lower, then you're taking a risk. If you're going to reapply do something substantial with your year. Consider doing a 1-year graduate-level post-bacc program - it'll give you an advantage in med school. Or, do a full-time research project where you're a co-author (probably unpaid).

 

[mcat shmcat]

Good choice blahh. I think you should officially change your user name to OUMed4Me. It has a nice ring to it.

 

[j8131]

The OP should figure out why he thinks he'll be unhappy at UO. Depending on the answer to that, it might be perfectly reasonable to reapply. Some of you really need to get off the high horses. As someone said, yes, there are many people who would kill to go to UO, but that doesn't mean it's the right decision for the OP.

I think it would be correct to say that the OP shouldn't whine about it. I don't think he was. But that's different from deciding that it's just not the right opportunity for him.

First, it is totally reasonable to reapply because you really don't like the location. (Granted, why did he apply there to begin, but that decision is done). It's four years of your life. It is bad bad bad to look at it as a place you'll simply be training, not living. You shouldn't completely give away these years of your life so easily and needn't do so simply because you're in medical school.

Second, do not assume that when you reapply, schools will know or care that you are reapplying. Yes, they can find out, but it doesn't mean they will. Even if they do, it might just result in a question during an interview. It's very unlikely to affect a decision. Fortunately, the OP didn't apply to many schools, so he won't have the problem of reapplying where he was rejected (that can hurt you).

 

[Law2Doc]

Second, do not assume that when you reapply, schools will know or care that you are reapplying. Yes, they can find out, but it doesn't mean they will. Even if they do, it might just result in a question during an interview. It's very unlikely to affect a decision. Fortunately, the OP didn't apply to many schools, so he won't have the problem of reapplying where he was rejected (that can hurt you).

You may want to talk to some adcoms on this one. I've certainly heard different advice from those in the know at some very competitive schools.

 

[yellowpersuazio]

Second, do not assume that when you reapply, schools will know or care that you are reapplying. Yes, they can find out, but it doesn't mean they will. Even if they do, it might just result in a question during an interview. It's very unlikely to affect a decision. Fortunately, the OP didn't apply to many schools, so he won't have the problem of reapplying where he was rejected (that can hurt you).

Actually, the AMCAS specifically asks if you've ever applied previously to medical school...AND it also asks if you're reapplying to each individual school that you designate. So yes, schools will know right off the bat, and it can definately have a negative impact if you've done nothing between the two application cycles. I've been asked at interviews about my reapplication, so I doubt that it is "unlikely to affect a decision."

 

[slim06]

if there's a school that you applied to that you do really want to go to, I'd hit them with all kinds of love pronto. It's not too late! Send them updates, flowers, chocolates, whatever. Tell them that you'll be next door for the rest of Feb in case someone cancels an interview. Make them feel how much you want to go there, and then maybe, you won't have to answer this question.