Is it better to go ahead and apply or wait until my app is where I want it?

[mdhopeful0228]

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Is it better to go ahead and apply and most likely be rejected and then reapply to the same school next yr? or should i wait until my application is where i want it? I basically want to know if MD schools look favorably on reapplicants i.e. they know reapplicants are really interested in their school.

 

[SpoiledMilk]

Wait and apply with your best app. Reapplicants have a bigger hurdle to overcome...

 

[calivianya]

Reapplicants have a lower chance of getting in than first time applicants, unless you are a NC resident applying to ECU. Their class is 50% reapplicants, so you might be okay there.

Otherwise, just wait. Do you really want to spend all of those application fees twice?

 

[impendingdoom]

WAIT

Just my n=1, but I applied last year w/o any shadow hours knowing it was a huge weakness and hoping that adcoms would overlook it (I work in a hospital), got 3 interviews in late Feb, and was promptly rejected from all 3 post interview.
Fast-forward to this cycle, I got 60+ shadowing hours and now have 9(!) interview invites and at least one acceptance.

Wish I had waited and saved my money like calivianya said.

 

[RaspberrySlushy]

WAIT

Just my n=1, but I applied last year w/o any shadow hours knowing it was a huge weakness and hoping that adcoms would overlook it (I work in a hospital), got 3 interviews in late Feb, and was promptly rejected from all 3 post interview.
Fast-forward to this cycle, I got 60+ shadowing hours and now have 9(!) interview invites and at least one acceptance.

Wish I had waited and saved my money like calivianya said.

I waited for the same reason at my advisor’s advice (she’s actually great) and sooo glad I did. Not only do I have more shadowing and volunteer hours but also it gave me much more to talk about in PS, secondaries, and interviews. 7 II so far this cycle and I don’t think that would’ve happened had I applied last year, or even close.

And seriously this process is very expensive and time-consuming and emotionally draining (being in limbo for so long about where you will get Ii, acceptance/waitlist/rejection, where you will live, etc) so IMO it’s worth waiting and applying when your app is stronger.

 

[mdhopeful0228]

Thank you everyone I will def wait!