Is it worth reapplying by any chance?

[goodbob]

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Thankfully, I have 2 As from T100 (1 in PA, 1 in VA), and I was thinking of attending one in PA since it was closer to my partner. However, I recently got my MCAT score back, which has put me in a dilemma.

MCAT: 514 -> 520 (I retook MCAT since my previous score had expired, and I was preparing for my third cycle)
1. Given that I already have two acceptances (one in-state at a T100), is it generally "worth" to withdraw an acceptance and reapply, aiming for T20 schools with a 520? I understand there are no guarantees, but I'm trying to weigh the potential benefits against the risk of a gap year and no better acceptances. (I never applied to T20s before bc my score was too low and I wanna know if now I will have a greater chance)

2. My current specialty interests are Radiology and Anesthesiology. From your experience or knowledge, how much does medical school prestige (e.g., attending a T20 vs. a T100) actually impact competitiveness for these specific residencies? Are these specialties (or likely to become) competitive enough that the school name significantly matters for matching into strong programs?

Besides MCAT, here's my general info if it helps:
PA ORM
cGPA = 3.99 / sGPA = 4.0
clinical exp = 1700 hrs / clinical volunteer = 500 hrs
nonclinical volunteer = 1000 hrs / nonclinical exp (teaching job) = 300 hrs
research (3 labs, no pub or poster) = 850 hrs
shadowing = 50 hrs

 

[polymerization]

I'm just a student like you so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I don't see the point. You can't keep those acceptances in your back pocket just in case, and there's no guarantee you'll get any love the second time around.

I don't think your MCAT was an issue in the first place (you went from ~90th -> 97th percentile). You were probably within interquartile range for virtually any MD school, including T20s.

My guess is that your overall narrative/writing wasn't compelling enough, and maybe missing some leadership/social justice work? I think applications, especially in this pool, should have niche "branding," i.e., a compelling and holistic mission and vision for your own future of medicine that you credibly embody through your demonstrable choice in activities and coursework.

That said, you're in—just go to school. As I start my cycle, I'm already exhausted and cannot imagine going through this again. Don't miss out on a year of attending salary just to prove a point. You're already good enough, so go forth and prosper.

 

[LizzyM]

A jump from 514 to 520 does put you from the minor leagues to the major leagues BUT some schools will average the two and call it 517 which might send by back to Triple-A ball. You have your ticket to medical school and no guarantee that a second cycle will end with an offer. Take the sure thing and, as said so well by @polymerization "go forth and prosper".

 

[Goro]

Always go for the sure thing, and forget about the prestige crap. Your salary as an attending will still be the same as the kid who went to Yale.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Take the offer. Your school will love the news that they chose you when others pushed you aside because of the MCAT. Don't scorn those who really saw you beyond your metrics.

 

[goodbob]

Thank you so much for all your words and advices! I decided to move forward and focus on my studies in a med school.