Is re-applying after gaining an acceptance that bad?

[daisysky1009]

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I was accepted to a medical school that I do not want to attend based on my interview/post-interview experience. My interview experience was very chaotic and disorganized. My post-interview experience was also very similar. I worry about the quality of my education and stress levels if the school is truly this disorganized from the beginning. The reason I did not withdraw right away is that I felt that it would be better to have an acceptance as opposed to giving up.

To add, the curriculum is odd, A-F, and I would have to move away from home. I come from an immigrant family, so all we have is each other. Unfortunately, I was rejected by only other interview yesterday so it looks like I only have one option.

Is it really that bad to re-apply after gaining an acceptance? I don't understand how schools would even know. I should note that this is my second time applying.

I would really appreciate genuine advice. This has been very difficult for me to go through.

 

[DOcSto]

I empathize with how you're feeling; it's valid. However, considering it's your second time applying and you do have an acceptance, it comes down to whether or not you want to be a doctor. You can withdraw from the school and reapply, but what makes you think you'll have success a third time after declining an acceptance? I don't know much about what schools do and do not know, but I do know how complicated and tough med school admissions are. I would not give up a sure thing and go through this process again for a slight chance of gaining an acceptance elsewhere.

I'm currently in a situation where I have been accepted to a DO school and am on 2 MD WLs and awaiting word from a 3rd MD school. While the DO is not my first choice institution, my motivation to become a doctor far outweighs any possible thought of reapplying. Obviously, this is a personal choice for you to make and I'm sure you'll make a decision that will be in the best interests of you and your family.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Schools probably would not know.

However, there is usually a reason that you were rejected from the other schools and in the absence of a substantive change (MCAT score increase, significant rise in GPA, remedying a glaring hole in clinical/volunteer experience) it's usually a fool's venture to turn down an acceptance in the hopes that something better will come next year. And it almost certainly isn't worth losing a year of attending salary on the backend (or more, if you have to apply for more than one year.

The hardest part by far is just getting into a school, and you've cleared that bar. Take the acceptance, do you time in med school, then go to a residency that is more to your liking.

 

[h23]

Honestly I would take that acceptance and just run with it. Applying is honestly a torturous process and there's never a guarantee that you can be successful again the third time. It could happen, but do you really want to pay all those application fees, endure all that stress and wait all that time to find out when you can just go on the pathway to be a doctor right now? Med school's only 4 short years anyway. Even if people get into their number 1 school that's been a dream for them to get to, they'll find reasons to complain. That's just human nature. Try to find things that you like about your med school and use those as reasons to get excited. As much as you'd like to just start over, trust me, its better to just take this acceptance, buckle down and study

 

[MDMechEngr]

OP, you have an MD acceptance. The school is not great, but it is an MD program none the less. As long as the school isn't malignant or toxic, which I do not believe it is. You will do fine inspite of the school's shortcomings if you work smartly and keep a focus on your goal. GL

 

[wysdoc]

The admissions department can be a disorganized mess and the faculty and teaching still good.

 

[srirachamayonnaise]

I was accepted to a medical school that I do not want to attend based on my interview/post-interview experience. My interview experience was very chaotic and disorganized. My post-interview experience was also very similar. I worry about the quality of my education and stress levels if the school is truly this disorganized from the beginning. The reason I did not withdraw right away is that I felt that it would be better to have an acceptance as opposed to giving up.

To add, the curriculum is odd, A-F, and I would have to move away from home. I come from an immigrant family, so all we have is each other. Unfortunately, I was rejected by only other interview yesterday so it looks like I only have one option.

Is it really that bad to re-apply after gaining an acceptance? I don't understand how schools would even know. I should note that this is my second time applying.

I would really appreciate genuine advice. This has been very difficult for me to go through.

You have an MD acceptance from a legit school (you are privileged to be in this position given 60ish percent applicants don’t get in) and if you turn it down, you will never be a doctor.

 

[Dobermann]

I feel like choosing to reapply in spite of an acceptance looks bad.

For one, it makes one question “Why did you spend time/money applying to a school you didn’t want to go to?” I understand that you gather new information throughout the cycle, but every bit of advice I’ve gathered from advisors and online has said “Apply only to schools you’d go to even if that school was your only acceptance.” Adcoms will be wondering why you didn’t know and/or heed this advice in the first place, and it will call into question your decision-making abilities. Kinda like how retaking a 90th+ percentile MCAT score is said to make adcoms question your judgement.

Secondly, I think it makes one question your character. While it can be disappointing to end up at a school you don’t much like, refusing to matriculate is a whole different level. I understand there may be legitimate qualms about any given school. But from the outside, it can look like you think you’re “too good” for this school or that you are overly concerned with prestige and the possibility of getting into a “better” school. Adcoms may ask themselves “Will this person just turn us down if accepted, due to perceived insufficient prestige?” Or “If this person matriculates, will they be someone who quits anytime something doesn’t go their way? Will they drop a volunteer student group if they aren’t elected President? Will they quit a research lab of they’re not made first author or not published? Will they end up leaving medicine altogether if they don’t get their first choice program in the match?” It’s suggestive of a person with the type of character that most adcoms do not want to admit into their school community.

I don’t know you personally, and I’m not saying you are actually like this. I’m just sharing how this action can look to strangers who need to quickly evaluate you using limited pieces of information.

Also, this is just speculation, since I’m also just a current applicant.

 

[chilly_md]

If it’s an MD school and not CNU, you should absolutely go

 

[LizzyM]

Ask yourself, "Would I prefer to never become a doctor at all than to go to that school that accepted me?" If yes, decline the offer. If no, run with it and make the best of the situation you find yourself in so that you can achieve your goal of becoming a physician.

The fact remains that after two attempts, you have one offer. The chances that a third attempt will result in an offer is slight at best, even if the schools to which you apply don't know that you turned down an offer. They will see how long it has been since you took the MCAT and they'll either wonder why you didn't get in on an earlier attempt (what's wrong with this one that they didn't get in sooner?) or they'll wonder why you waited so long to apply. Neither is a good look.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

This is what accepted student visits are all about. I can't allay your concerns; it's the school's job to do that to your satisfaction. But yes if you have 1 A, you need to really cherish it and know what would cause you to walk away. This is why all the networking i tell people to do ahead of applying is critical, including curriculum questions.

Remember that about half of those who matriculated to a medical school only got ONE offer when the cycle was over. That's why you make a good school list that fits you. You don't want to reapply.

That said, no one wants to see you start but then drop out of medical school due to those other reasons that are out of your control, and I bet that includes your family.

List each concern as a question to ask each student, administrator, and faculty student advisors. Before you ask, what is it you want to hear from them that would let you keep your offer? Write that down and store it someplace safe. Then compare with their actual answers. You are not done with your application process until you matriculate or drop the offer.

 

[daisysky1009]

This is what accepted student visits are all about. I can't allay your concerns; its the school's job to do that to your satisfaction. But yes if you have 1 A, you need to really cherish it and know what would cause you to walk away. This is why all the networking i tell people to do ahead of applying is critical, including curriculum questions.

Remember that about half of those who matriculated to a medical school only got ONE offer when the cycle was over. That's why you make a good school list that fits you. You don't want to reapply.

That said, no one wants to see you start but then drop out of medical school due to those other reasons that are out of your control, and I bet that includes your family.

List each concern as a question to ask each student, administrator, and faculty student advisors. Before you ask, what is it you want to hear from them that would let you keep your offer? Write that down and store it someplace safe. Then compare with their actual answers. You are not done with your application process until you matriculate or drop the offer.

Unfortunately, this school has continued with the disorganized theme and has not scheduled a second-look day yet. Since the interview was virtual, I actually have not interacted with anyone at all. No one explained to me how important it is to truly know a school (as much as you can) before applying. Otherwise, I don't believe I would have applied to this specific school.

That is good advice, I'll be sure to do that. Thank you.

I suppose I have a follow up question - Like you said, a majority of applicants only get one offer when the cycle is over. I can't imagine that every single person to get only one offer has elected to go through with that offer once they learn more about the school by attending a second-look day, meeting with faculty/students etc. It's possible that they find that they hate the school and potentially reapply. I think that's why it's hard for me to understand this, because I feel like this has to have been done in the past.

 

[daisysky1009]

Ask yourself, "Would I prefer to never become a doctor at all than to go to that school that accepted me?" If yes, decline the offer. If no, run with it and make the best of the situation you find yourself in so that you can achieve your goal of becoming a physician.

The fact remains that after two attempts, you have one offer. The chances that a third attempt will result in an offer is slight at best, even if the schools to which you apply don't know that you turned down an offer. They will see how long it has been since you took the MCAT and they'll either wonder why you didn't get in on an earlier attempt (what's wrong with this one that they didn't get in sooner?) or they'll wonder why you waited so long to apply. Neither is a good look.

These are very fair points, and I appreciate your insight. I think my concerns are also with the school's curriculum, A-F grading system, and that every rotation is an away rotation. Unfortunately, these are things I learned after the fact since it was not on MSAR.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Unfortunately, this school has continued with the disorganized theme and has not scheduled a second-look day yet. Since the interview was virtual, I actually have not interacted with anyone at all. No one explained to me how important it is to truly know a school (as much as you can) before applying. Otherwise, I don't believe I would have applied to this specific school.

That is good advice, I'll be sure to do that. Thank you.

I suppose I have a follow up question - Like you said, a majority of applicants only get one offer when the cycle is over. I can't imagine that every single person to get only one offer has elected to go through with that offer once they learn more about the school by attending a second-look day, meeting with faculty/students etc. It's possible that they find that they hate the school and potentially reapply. I think that's why it's hard for me to understand this, because I feel like this has to have been done in the past.

I know the aggregate advice you are receiving is valid too, so keep the advice in mind. But medical schools do not suffer with low yield (ratio of offer/acceptance to matriculated) compared to many of the other graduate programs. That said, I am not saying that your instincts about the true lack of follow-up with that specific program should be ignored. There are also not a lot of attrition concerns overall in medical school, but the bar is also set very high, and every school will/should do everything possible to not let attrition be a flag for accreditation.

If there isn't a current or alumnus on SDN, then you can be proactive and reach out. Looking at your history and doing my own research, the admissions office appears to be a centralized office so it's hard to say the disorganization is just the admissions office's issue since it should be in partnership with the medical school. I'm also guessing you did your tasks in the admitted students portal. So hopefully there are specific contacts listed for you to reach out, starting with financial aid and perhaps student affairs. I'd ask them when to expect follow-up with a second-day/admitted student day.

Definitely connect with AMSA or SNDA officers representing the school. They can tell you if this is normal but everything will be fine, or if this is normal and while everything is fine, we do this... They did celebrate a >95% match according to the school's Twitter account, so they are doing something well. I also think that this program has a good number of students who have had to move to attend medical school, so I don't think you will be as alone as you think (but check with the students).

 

[Goro]

I suppose I have a follow up question - Like you said, a majority of applicants only get one offer when the cycle is over. I can't imagine that every single person to get only one offer has elected to go through with that offer once they learn more about the school by attending a second-look day, meeting with faculty/students etc. It's possible that they find that they hate the school and potentially reapply. I think that's why it's hard for me to understand this, because I feel like this has to have been done in the past.

You are engaging in the sin of solipsism and now just looking for validation of your notions.

Have you posted int he school-specific thread asking for people to PM you to ask your questions, as the very wise MrSmile12 has suggested???

every rotation is an away rotation.
Is this a school that lacks a teaching hospital? Nearly every DO school lacks one, and yet overall their kids manage to match fine.

 

[daisysky1009]

You are engaging in the sin of solipsism and now just looking for validation of your notions.

Have you posted int he school-specific thread asking for people to PM you to ask your questions, as the very wise MrSmile12 has suggested???

every rotation is an away rotation.
Is this a school that lacks a teaching hospital? Nearly every DO school lacks one, and yet overall their kids manage to match fine.

I have posted in the school-specific thread, but as MrSmile 12 mentioned, I will reach out to current students now.

The school has a teaching hospital that is very small and lacks different inpatient departments etc.

 

[daisysky1009]

I know the aggregate advice you are receiving is valid too, so keep the advice in mind. But medical schools do not suffer with low yield (ratio of offer/acceptance to matriculated) compared to many of the other graduate programs. That said, I am not saying that your instincts about the true lack of follow-up with that specific program should be ignored. There are also not a lot of attrition concerns overall in medical school, but the bar is also set very high, and every school will/should do everything possible to not let attrition be a flag for accreditation.

If there isn't a current or alumnus on SDN, then you can be proactive and reach out. Looking at your history and doing my own research, the admissions office appears to be a centralized office so it's hard to say the disorganization is just the admissions office's issue since it should be in partnership with the medical school. I'm also guessing you did your tasks in the admitted students portal. So hopefully there are specific contacts listed for you to reach out, starting with financial aid and perhaps student affairs. I'd ask them when to expect follow-up with a second-day/admitted student day.

Definitely connect with AMSA or SNDA officers representing the school. They can tell you if this is normal but everything will be fine, or if this is normal and while everything is fine, we do this... They did celebrate a >95% match according to the school's Twitter account, so they are doing something well. I also think that this program has a good number of students who have had to move to attend medical school, so I don't think you will be as alone as you think (but check with the students).

I have had extreme difficulty getting connected to staff as well. For example, a very basic question I had took over one month to get answered. Maybe this is being perceived as me being pessimistic, but my experience has truly not been a good one. I see many red flags that make me concerned about the school.

Thank you for advice. I will have to make some tough choices.

 

[DukeSmith]

i don’t think anybody will be able to convince the op to attend, but I would recommend taking it. It’s an MD school in a cool city

 

[LizzyM]

i don’t think anybody will be able to convince the op to attend, but I would recommend taking it. It’s an MD school in a cool city

Maybe OP ought to decline and let someone who really wants to go to medical school and become a doctor to matriculate there. The seat will not go unfilled.

 

[KnightDoc]

I suppose I have a follow up question - Like you said, a majority of applicants only get one offer when the cycle is over. I can't imagine that every single person to get only one offer has elected to go through with that offer once they learn more about the school by attending a second-look day, meeting with faculty/students etc. It's possible that they find that they hate the school and potentially reapply. I think that's why it's hard for me to understand this, because I feel like this has to have been done in the past.

You're right. It's certainly been done in the past, but it's rare because getting into ANY school is HARD (64% failure rate last cycle) and MOST people simply don't apply to schools they are unwilling to attend, even if it's their only A after two cycles. They feel desperate, and place becoming a doctor over the negatives you are focusing on, which are undoubtedly valid.

Clearly, you would tell my dad that his expression about beggars being unable to be choosers is BS, and that you do not have to settle, no matter how many cycles it takes to get what you want. Most people would not like the risk/reward associated with what you are contemplating. But then again, you are not most people, right? Make sure to clearly articulate the rationale behind your decision to any school that asks about it in the future, and good luck!

 

[DukeSmith]

OP, just try to be like mike. Take the rejections personally, use them to motivate you to work hard , go in with a chip on your shoulder, and match a residency that you will like better.

 

[stinkycheeseperson]

No one explained to me how important it is to truly know a school (as much as you can) before applying.

y'aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall. no one should have to. like really? you all just drop thousands of dollars and hours and know nothing?

this is like the people who post about their senior year friends not knowing about AMCAS or the MCAT and planning to apply. Jeez louise.

 

[Proudfather94]

Op if you want to go to medical school this is one of those you made your bed situations. Look on the bright side, the first time I applied I made a crappy school list and didn't get in anywhere and had to reapply. You made a crappy school list applying to schools you didn't want to go to and you got in.

 

[Kokonaut]

What percentage of people got an acceptance this past year, maybe 38%? Odds are it becomes increasingly difficult each year and your likelihood of acceptance in following years likely goes down. I don't know if the above posters have swayed you, but attending or not likely equals to pursuing medicine or not. There are thousands of people who would be delighted to be in your situation.

With what you've said earlier, I might seriously ask if this is a path I want to pursue or if you feel you are getting in over your head.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I have had extreme difficulty getting connected to staff as well. For example, a very basic question I had took over one month to get answered. Maybe this is being perceived as me being pessimistic, but my experience has truly not been a good one. I see many red flags that make me concerned about the school.

Thank you for advice. I will have to make some tough choices.

These red flags may all be legit. However, you have to weigh this against the fact that you were unable to do better. If you're really going to toss your acceptance back and hope to do better, you need to have concrete evidence that your app has improved since last year. Just resubmitting and hoping for better luck is probably going to yield the same result.

 

[deleted1079620]

I suppose I have a follow up question - Like you said, a majority of applicants only get one offer when the cycle is over. I can't imagine that every single person to get only one offer has elected to go through with that offer once they learn more about the school by attending a second-look day, meeting with faculty/students etc. It's possible that they find that they hate the school and potentially reapply. I think that's why it's hard for me to understand this, because I feel like this has to have been done in the past.

OP, I know plenty of students who applied 2-3 cycles in a row just to get a single acceptance. Some of them are thrilled that they finally got into any US program, they study hard and make the best of the situation they’re in. Others complain about every aspect of the school and are generally miserable during their time. You get to choose which attitude you go into medical school with, and it will affect not only how well you do but your entire experience.

 

[daisysky1009]

These red flags may all be legit. However, you have to weigh this against the fact that you were unable to do better. If you're really going to toss your acceptance back and hope to do better, you need to have concrete evidence that your app has improved since last year. Just resubmitting and hoping for better luck is probably going to yield the same result.

I would spend another year working on improving my application rather than resubmitting immediately.

 

[daisysky1009]

y'aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall. no one should have to. like really? you all just drop thousands of dollars and hours and know nothing?

this is like the people who post about their senior year friends not knowing about AMCAS or the MCAT and planning to apply. Jeez louise.

I don't need to justify anything, but I hope you know that some of us were not lucky enough to have resources throughout the application journey to know what questions to ask, who to talk to, and what to do.

 

[Proudfather94]

I don't need to justify anything, but I hope you know that some of us were not lucky enough to have resources throughout the application journey to know what questions to ask, who to talk to, and what to do.

You have access to internet and this site which is free. You can ask people on here about schools you are interested in. I got help with my essays on this site and a great school list by people like Faha. You made a mistake by not looking the information up before you applied. Own it, take accountability, and try to find more information about life changing major decisions in the future. I made the same mistake as you and that's how I learned to plan my life better.

 

[4lphabet]

You have access to internet and this site which is free. You can ask people on here about schools you are interested in. I got help with my essays on this site and a great school list by people like Faha. You made a mistake by not looking the information up before you applied. Own it, take accountability, and try to find more information about life changing major decisions in the future. I made the same mistake as you and that's how I learned to plan my life better.

A lot of premed advisors will tell you to stay off sdn/reddit though (and to be fair, both sites can get toxic). Half the PS advice I got from r/premed was hot garbage (II stats in sig so infer what you will about my writing). It's not as straightforward as "just look it up" - some of it is having a good bs detector. The adcoms on here ~are~ a great resource though.

 

[DukeSmith]

at that point you lose 2 years of attending salary. Even if you do IM, FM, or Peds, that is 500000 at worst

 

[Proudfather94]

A lot of premed advisors will tell you to stay off sdn/reddit though (and to be fair, both sites can get toxic). Half the PS advice I got from r/premed was hot garbage (II stats in sig so infer what you will about my writing). It's not as straightforward as "just look it up" - some of it is having a good bs detector. The adcoms on here ~are~ a great resource though.

If they tell people that they don't deserve to advise premeds. This site is very useful and being able to pick the the bs from useful info was taught when we were required to use research articles in our prereq classes to prepare for medical school. This place can be toxic but so is the real world! I ran into plenty of toxic patients and coworkers working in the hospital. To not use a resource as great as sdn because someone may make a mean comment and hurt your feelings is not the best move. I feel bad for the people being lead astray from advisors like that.

 

[4lphabet]

If they tell people that they don't deserve to advise premeds. This site is very useful and being able to pick the the bs from useful info was taught when we were required to use research articles in our prereq classes from medical school. This place can be toxic but so is the real world! I ran into plenty of toxic patients and coworkers working in the hospital. To not use a resource as great as sdn because someone may make a mean comment and hurt your feelings is not the best move. I feel bad for the people being lead astray from advisors like that.

ye no kidding there are lots of bad advisors out there, just as there are bad teachers who won't train your research bs detector. Lots of ways that going to a bad school just screws you over time and time again; I feel bad for them too but wouldn't fault anyone trying to avoid that kind of situation again by being wary of a disorganized institution.

regardless op, getting into any MD is an incredible accomplishment. +1 to DS's chip on the shoulder approach.

 

[chilly_md]

I do not know how bad the problems are beyond office staff not responding to a question or having a messy Zoom interview. I will say that RFU for example has reportedly had bad interviews at times. And students still like the school and the surrounding area. Drexel had concerns with the closing of a major hospital, but students still go there, graduate and match. Not to put these two in a bad light, but they are the ones that had a bit more complaints. Yet, things are still run correctly enough for students to have success.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I would spend another year working on improving my application rather than resubmitting immediately.

Ok, but what specifically would you do to improve your app? If it’s a matter that your ECs were borderline and you can just rack up more hours, that’s very doable though I still don’t think that would be worth 2 years of your life. If you have fundamental flaws in your stats, I really think you need to reconsider. Many people think they’re going to raise their MCAT by 10 points on retake, very few do.

Ultimately, you’re going to do what you want to do, but if you chose to reapply it will objectively be a mistake. Someone above quoted a half million in lost wages, but it’s actually much higher than that because the earliest 2 years you start saving money are the years that get the most compounded interest. Unless you literally go from doing peds at your current school to something like cardio thoracic surgery at your other school… you’re probably making closer to a million dollar mistake, based on an admissions process that very likely has no relevance to the day to day reality of being a student and an assumption that you can do better.

Not everybody gets to go to the school of their choice. Start the clock, put in your time, and go be a doctor. If after all this you still want to reapply, then I sincerely wish you the best and hope you do not live to regret your decision.

 

[UsernameChecksOut]

and I would have to move away from home. I come from an immigrant family, so all we have is each other.

OP, I do not at all mean to sound insensitive to your upcoming decision, but my instinct is telling me this is cold feet.

Your above statement is key. And it’s not just key in helping us understand what’s driving your fear, it NEEDS to be key in your ultimate decision. And here is why: your chances of being accepted in a future cycle, given two cycles —> one acceptance are slim. This is assuming schools offer IIs and are lenient about your reason (*big* assumption).

Do you understand how slim-to-none ANY applicant’s chances are of attending a medical school and *not having to move away from home*? I’m not saying it can’t be done. I’m saying you have to strip down what’s really going on here.

Don’t blame the school’s disorganization, although not ideal, for your apprehension in its entirety. You are going to have to get very honest with yourself. Do you want to be a doctor, even if it means facing these uncertainties AND leaving your family? Only you can answer that.

Don’t forget the resilience and perseverance you have already proven by reaching this level of achievement. Believe in yourself. You’d have to face the fear of the unknown and all that goes with it, but you may really surprise yourself! And I’m guessing you will meet a lot of other classmates and/or friends who are navigating similar feelings/ventures.

If you pass up this acceptance, you may be passing up this career. All the best to you on your decision.

 

[Moko]

I would spend another year working on improving my application rather than resubmitting immediately.

OP, the choice is obviously yours, but think carefully about how your decision this cycle may affect your future career. You are not guaranteed to get into another school. And even if you were, you are not guaranteed to get into a school that is close to home, less "disorganized", true pass/fail, and/or associated with a plethora of home residency programs, etc. You may also find yourself similarly dissatisfied with other schools once you get the opportunity to learn more about them.

People from your school have matched into competitive specialties and to well-regarded university residency programs throughout the US despite this 'disorganization'. This school can get you to where you want to go. You may need to put in some extra effort compared to if you were at a more desired school, but I can tell you that any extra effort needed will pale in comparison to the amount of extra work you are otherwise setting yourself up for (improving your application for at least one year, reapplying, hoping for a better option that may never manifest, etc.).

Ultimately, if you were to reapply and not get accepted anywhere, would you regret turning down your current acceptance? You have an almost-guaranteed path to becoming a physician right now if you were to matriculate at this school. Also, keep in mind that the vast majority of your medical training will be gained in residency and NOT in medical school. You may be squabbling over something that will have no meaningful impact on your day-to-day life in a few years time. The opportunity to experience life temporarily away from family may also prove to be a blessing in disguise.

I understand your initial disappointment, but please do make this decision rationally, with humility, and without the influence of any emotions. This is advice that I give to all successful applicants. Just my thoughts and best of luck with your decision.

I hope you know that some of us were not lucky enough to have resources throughout the application journey to know what questions to ask, who to talk to, and what to do.

See above. I've answered the questions that you may not have considered.

 

[PhD_to_DO]

No one here can tell you what to do. There is NO perfect medical school BUT you do have an opportunity to fulfill a dream if you ruck up and make the mostbof this opportunity. You’ve raised valid concerns but only you can decide if the school would be so toxic to you that you need to reapply. If you reapply, are you OK with the risk of maybe never seeing another acceptance? One of my buddies was in a situation that was very reminiscent of yours. He opted not to take the seat and unsuccessfully reapplied to med school three more times. He’s now looking at pharmacy school. There is no guarantee that a reapplication would be successful but only you know if you can tolerate what the school offers. Personally, I’d ruck up and take the acceptance and I say this as someone attending a med school that has more than its share of issues.

 

[Immuno-Papi]

So, I'm speaking as an almost attending about to graduate fellowship and graduate of a USMD school. There is NO perfect medical school. Even talking with my colleagues about their experience at Top 10 medical schools, some got the worst advice from their deans and some did not even match and had to go through SOAP/Scramble. Again, I'm telling you this because even at "Man's Best Medical School" there are going to be problems. Also, don't judge a book by its cover. My medical school's front office had so many issues and was so dysfunctional. But we made due and at the end we all are successful because there were other great people including attendings, hospitalists, faculty, mentors etc. I know this is tough love, but no one is going to spoon-feed you anything and you need to stop thinking about this as you being at the center of the universe. Trust me, I know that feeling, but honestly no one gives a **** about how you feel other than you and whoever you are close to. And this is true especially for the medical school; they probably just want an answer from you so that they can offer a spot to another candidate on their long waiting list. Also, with you having to be away from family, I get it, but also you have to go through the Match, which to some degree is out of your control. So if you go for a competitive specialty or a competitive program and match somewhere at the bottom of your list and its somewhere far, you are stuck going there. So, be open-minded in that way.

I think at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself: Do I want to be a doctor? and do I want this bad?

 

[Inbutanxious]

Hi OP! First, congrats on the acceptance! Getting through the app and gaining an A is a huge accomplishment, regardless of which school it is. I think a lot has been said and I'm not sure if my thoughts will help, but just in case! As a fellow immigrant, I understand how hard it is to leave the family for school. However, I think going away for medical school may be better than residency. For better or worst, it only going to be four years compared to however longer training that you may need later for the specialty you choose. Of course, this can be different if your family has other circumstances. If you think by reapplying later, your family will be in a better state with you being less available for them, great. If it continues to be the same regardless, I would say go for the school now unless you have an IS school that you are confident in your chance of getting in. But even then, I think the MD curriculum is time-intensive, whether it is P/F or A-F. Personally, I think medical school will definitely take your time away from your family. However, it is a great opportunity, so I think your family would want to support you in that decision.
If the school doesn't organize a second look, you can still try visiting the school to walk around and get a better feel. The disorganization may be a temporary issue due to staffs transition or things returning to IP after COVID. I think while most medical schools switched to the P/F system, the A-F grading can be a positive factor that helps you stay focused on studying. You were able to get through your undergraduate with the A-F system, so that should give you confidence that you will be fine! If you are worried about the quality of education, you can seek additional resources to enhance your studying. It will cost some extra money, but it will be a good investment in the long term. As for stress, I think it is part of medical school snd life, but in a good way, it can strengthen your resiliency.
In terms of your question of how schools may know that you reapplied after receiving an acceptance, some of the secondaries that I received ask specifically for you to disclose it. Some were just a yes or no question, but some gave you additional spaces to elaborate. You should think about whether your reasons are enough to justify your action. As pre-med/med students, we are expected to balance different commitments, so I would be careful when explaining it so it doesn't come off as "I have too many things to consider and this wasn't a good fit." Like others have said, there isn't a perfect medical school. However, at the end of the day, you will still be a doctor regardless of where you go, and it is up to you to tailor the experience you want to have. I wish you luck with whatever decision you make!

 

[aldol16]

Given that you are a reapplicant already and only got 2 interview offers, I would strongly consider this school before dropping. Yes, it is much harder to get into any MD program if you've been accepted and rejected that offer. Other schools don't want to take that chance on you - imagine it from the admissions perspective. Do you want to accept someone who turned down their only acceptance previously? You care about your yield.

That being said, you should strongly evaluate the school. It seems from your post that the only things that appear off are the disorganized interview day (which is not an indicator of organization at a program more generally) and the weird grading system (and moving away - although this will likely be a problem no matter your choice because even if you were to get another offer next year, it is unlikely statistically to be one that is near your home, especially since you didn't get one this year or last). You should look at forums that are school-specific and speak with students from that school to get a sense of what life is actually like before making that decision. Maybe even visit campus if you can.

 

[MedAvenger]

For what it’s worth, this was me a certain number of years ago and I went anyway. Turns out it was a really great fit, especially the clinical faculty who had nothing to do with the weird interview day. I will also say, I also applied twice and it sucked. A third time would be even harder. If this school has a solid reputation give it a shot.

and congrats on the acceptance! Even if you’re not thrilled about it now, it really is a great accomplishment.