Just curious, how many years were in between your first and second applications?

[kcola]

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Ive gotten excellent advice on the forums, but I was just wondering how many years reapplicants waited to reapply? how long did it take you to improve and what improvements did you specifically make? (ps. i searched but mostly was on how many reapplication rounds.)

 

[waitlist22]

Well since no one has responded yet, I will throw in my experiences for what they are worth.

I applied in consecutive cycles. My perceived weaknesses were as follows:

1. Applied late in the cycle- primary and secondaries
2. Strong MCAT (35), weak sGPA (3.1)
3. Lacked recent clinical experiences
4. Wasn't confident with the interview

Even through these weaknesses, I was waitlisted at 3 schools so I didn't have much time to fix some of the problems, however here is what I did.

I started shadowing at a clinic in the summer and have continued that to this point- Even if you just start an activity, ADCOMS assume you will be continuing that activity through the application season and will have picked up a few months of the activity, even though on the primary it will look like it is only one month or so.

Secondly, I took an undergraduate science class while working full time, it didn't do anything for my sGPA but I got an A and showed I was making an effort to work on my weak sGPA.

Lastly, I applied a little bit earlier this time around (August), still late but earlier than my previous application so that I could put an added publication on my application.

I was accepted this time around, so something worked.

So I guess my advice would be to know what your weaknesses or problems are and see how long they will take to fix. As well as possibly re-evaluate how competitive your scores are for the shcools you applied to. Anyway sorry for the book I just wrote. If you want to PM me feel free and I would be happy to look anything over.

 

[jadealer]

1st time: 2006-2007, personally tragedy before my MCAT and withdrew after receiving my score, only completed 1 secondary.

2nd time: 2009-2010, 3.8 GPA, sGPA 3.65 retook MCAT (29) late, applied very late (complete Nov./Dec.) Result: 3 interviews, 3 WL, no acceptances. Basically was told I was too late. Plus one bad interview. Will admit I was nervous at my interviews.

3rd time: 2010-2011, 3.8 cGPA, 3.73 sGPA (for some reason classes they wouldn't count in 09/10 cycle for BCMP, they let through the second time... so just keep that in mind if you reapply and had classes denied for BCMP that could raise you GPA), applied early June, didn't retake MCAT, started hospice and hospital volunteering and some new shadowing in May/June. Results: 5 interviews yielding 2 acceptances, 1 WL, 1 rejection, and 1 withdraw because I wouldn't go there over my acceptances.

 

[cabinbuilder]

1st time: 1992
2nd time: 1999 Jan
3rd time: 1999 Sept
4th time: 2000 June1st

 

[kcola]

@waitlist22. thanks for the response. i'm a little confused by " it didn't do anything for my sGPA but I got an A and showed I was making an effort to work on my weak sGPA." Did you mean it helped your cGPA or that you took the class just to show effort? i didn't mean to make the post about me specifically, but in any case, i was worried about starting a new experience mid-cycle because i might not have enough "fodder" to my personal statement as i seem to be getting interesting and valuable experience so far. i just dont think i'd have enough to say about it to make it a focal point for this 2nd cycle and may defer to the 2012.

@jadealer. did you continue your clinical experiences from the first cycle in between those cycles?

@cabinbuilder. how did you apply in january and sept?

thanks for the responses! hopefully more people can add their experiences for posterity!

 

[JRWhiter]

1st application: 2009-10

-weak undergraduate GPA
​

2nd application: 2010-11

-accepted during this cycle.
-addressed my undergraduate GPA by completing an SMP. I was enrolled in the SMP during the 2009-10 cycle. I also continued to volunteer and shadow physicians.

​

 

[jadealer]

@jadealer. did you continue your clinical experiences from the first cycle in between those cycles?

I didn't continue from my 1st cycle because I moved away for a full time research position. Did gain some new clinical experiences between 1 and 2.. but mostly added new ECs at the end of 2 (may/june) for cycle 3

 

[startoverat40]

1992
1993
2011

 

[kcola]

@startoverat40. can i ask what prompted you to reapply those years after, and what you were doing to improve? how is your current cycle going?

 

[cabinbuilder]

@cabinbuilder. how did you apply in january and sept?

QUOTE]


In 1999 they didn't have online application yet. It was still paper. So I put in my app in january, was denied.

Then I turned around and repplied that september since they changed it to online right about then so it was the next cycle that opened in June.

 

[faith100]

I applied in 2007-08 - no interviews.

Did the following before applying again:

1. Went to grad school, obtained my master's degree
2. Shadowed more physicians
3. Gained more clinical and community volunteering experience
4. Began a great career in health field
5. Re-took the MCAT, improved by 8 points!
6. Never lost sight of my dreams, and focused on Phil. 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"
7. Kept believing in my dreams

I applied again in 2010-11 - ACCEPTED 🙂

I wish you the best in your journey - persistance, passion, and patience is the key.

 

[Helen Wheels]

I first applied in 2009 but wasn't complete until late September because I needed to retake the MCAT in August. I applied to a whole slew of schools and was rejected by all. 🙁

For my second attempt I applied early June 2010 to two schools. I was lucky to be interviewed and accepted by July 29th and ended up not applying anywhere else. I will be starting school this July!

 

[PrimaryCoeur]

I first applied in 2008-2009 to three school and was waitlisted at two. I met and asked about my application and learned I did not *need* to retake the MCAT, that my score neither hurt nor helped me.

I'm now in second cycle while I'm completing two year masters program. I chose to improve my application through leadership experiences, involving myself with student government and a local leadership organization. Part of my program involved working 20-25 hours week while taking classes, so between work, classes, and leadership responsibilities to organizations, I did not have the time I hoped to have to do extensive community service, but I was able to do some shadowing.

I only applied to one school this cycle. I applied early, completing application in July. I'm now post-interview waiting to hear about acceptance/rejection/wait list.

 

[scrumptrulesent]

1st application: 2006 for 2007 matriculation. Pre-med advisor though I had seen the letter, retired, disappeared, and waited to send in my letter of rec until mid-Jan (AFTER deadline). Waitlisted at one school, did not get accepted. MCAT: 31P; undergrad GPA 3.1; lots of publications, volunteer work, clinical experience, and community involvement.

2nd application: 2008 for 2009 matriculation. Only applied to 10 school, waitlisted at 3, was not accepted. WHAT I CHANGED: Earned a M.S. in Biotech with GPA of 3.8. More publications and volunteer/community work.

3rd application: 2011 for 2012 matriculation: MCAT expired. Retook this Jan with HORRIBLE fluke drop in grade (!!) (31 to a 25, including a 7 in verbal, compared to 11 in 2005 test and 12 in consecutive practice tests). Having rescored, and considering retaking AGAIN in April. More publications, more involvement in clinical research, and continued community involvement.

Out of money and optimism, but have to try one more time... wondering if this is the universe's way of saying, "Hey girlie, no dreams for you. Make babies and pot roasts instead..." Trying to stay positive... so hard...

However, I met a very prestigious doctor at a shock trauma unit who said it took 4 applications cycles for him to be accepted... it's possible!!

 

[kcola]

wow this is all very inspiring! thank you!

 

[Podiatry1]

1st application: 2006 for 2007 matriculation. Pre-med advisor though I had seen the letter, retired, disappeared, and waited to send in my letter of rec until mid-Jan (AFTER deadline). Waitlisted at one school, did not get accepted. MCAT: 31P; undergrad GPA 3.1; lots of publications, volunteer work, clinical experience, and community involvement.

2nd application: 2008 for 2009 matriculation. Only applied to 10 school, waitlisted at 3, was not accepted. WHAT I CHANGED: Earned a M.S. in Biotech with GPA of 3.8. More publications and volunteer/community work.

3rd application: 2011 for 2012 matriculation: MCAT expired. Retook this Jan with HORRIBLE fluke drop in grade (!!) (31 to a 25, including a 7 in verbal, compared to 11 in 2005 test and 12 in consecutive practice tests). Having rescored, and considering retaking AGAIN in April. More publications, more involvement in clinical research, and continued community involvement.

Out of money and optimism, but have to try one more time... wondering if this is the universe's way of saying, "Hey girlie, no dreams for you. Make babies and pot roasts instead..." Trying to stay positive... so hard...

However, I met a very prestigious doctor at a shock trauma unit who said it took 4 applications cycles for him to be accepted... it's possible!!

Curious... why do you not try DO? I am sure you will be able to get in?

 

[apricot9]

Great post kcola! Love the insight from everyone.

I applied in consecutive cycles, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. I had 4 waitlists during the first cycle and no interviews during the second round. In retrospect I should have given it more time and worked on my weak GPA through an SMP/Post-Bac, but it was already late summer and I thought I was out of options except for applying again. Lesson learned - not true!

Faith100, thanks for the inspirational post. Since I am considering my next moves and exploring what life would look like if I didn't become a doctor, I gotta ask you:

4. Began a great career in health field

What steps were involved in developing your side career and how did you bring it back to wanting/needing to become a doctor?

7. Kept believing in my dreams

Love it.

 

[fahimaz7]

I applied for the class of 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009. I was accepted DO for the 2007, rejected the offer, and was waitlisted to MD school in 2007 and 2008. Finally accepted to MD via EDP for the class of 2009.

Long trip.

 

[fahimaz7]

1st application: 2006 for 2007 matriculation. Pre-med advisor though I had seen the letter, retired, disappeared, and waited to send in my letter of rec until mid-Jan (AFTER deadline). Waitlisted at one school, did not get accepted. MCAT: 31P; undergrad GPA 3.1; lots of publications, volunteer work, clinical experience, and community involvement.

2nd application: 2008 for 2009 matriculation. Only applied to 10 school, waitlisted at 3, was not accepted. WHAT I CHANGED: Earned a M.S. in Biotech with GPA of 3.8. More publications and volunteer/community work.

3rd application: 2011 for 2012 matriculation: MCAT expired. Retook this Jan with HORRIBLE fluke drop in grade (!!) (31 to a 25, including a 7 in verbal, compared to 11 in 2005 test and 12 in consecutive practice tests). Having rescored, and considering retaking AGAIN in April. More publications, more involvement in clinical research, and continued community involvement.

Out of money and optimism, but have to try one more time... wondering if this is the universe's way of saying, "Hey girlie, no dreams for you. Make babies and pot roasts instead..." Trying to stay positive... so hard...

However, I met a very prestigious doctor at a shock trauma unit who said it took 4 applications cycles for him to be accepted... it's possible!!

It took me 4 times as well. With each cycle you'll mature as a person, an applicant, and a future student. Express your maturity well and you will be greeted with an acceptance in the mail.

Seriously though, the only reason that I'm top 20% in my class and sitting with an estimated 235 on step 1 without any prep (4 months left before I take it) is because I was waitlisted so many times. When I got into medical school, I hit the ground running with an intent to kill it.

You need to retake the MCAT. Just dedicate a week of studying to brush up on the concepts and go take the exam. I had a 30 back in 2004, and scored a 31 in 2008 after mine had expired. I studied like 3 days for that last one.

 

[faith100]

In response to apricot9: It helped me to follow courses toward a master's degree in public health, since I wanted to focus on a career that was geared toward preventative health. This helped me obtain a position in which I was able to conduct community-based research, interact with patients and doctors on a regular basis and work in partnership with health care facilities. Therefore, it wasn't difficult to demonstrate to admission committees that I was committed to becoming a physician, since I constantly interacting with patients and health care professionals on a daily basis.

I do realize that obtaining another degree is not the path for everyone, so I would suggest really thinking about what makes you happy in regards to the health field and begin looking for ways you can get your foot in the door while you're waiting to re-apply.

What made me really happy was interacting with people, helping them live a healthier life, conducting community-based research, and being intellectually stimulated on the regular - so that's the career I envisioned and worked toward, but it didn't happen over night. I wrote out what I wanted, told people about it, and took baby steps to get there. That way I could be pursuing something that I really enjoyed while going through the application process again...and I would have also had a great career for the future had I not been accepted. I hope this helps - please ask me more questions if you have them! I wish you the best 🙂


Faith100, thanks for the inspirational post. Since I am considering my next moves and exploring what life would look like if I didn't become a doctor, I gotta ask you:


What steps were involved in developing your side career and how did you bring it back to wanting/needing to become a doctor?


Love it.[/QUOTE]

 

[waitlist22]

You need to retake the MCAT. Just dedicate a week of studying to brush up on the concepts and go take the exam. I had a 30 back in 2004, and scored a 31 in 2008 after mine had expired. I studied like 3 days for that last one.

For anyone looking at this thread... for the love of all things, if you are having to retake the MCAT please do not think it is ok to study for 3 days to a week. Some people may be able to get by with this but if you have to retake it, you need to dedicate at least a month or two to really hammer down the concepts and practice tests.

 

[OBGG27]

This is a great thread!

As for me...I applied in Summer 2007 (Junior in college) to I think 10 schools, but ALL MD/PhD only got pre-interview rejections from all of them (not sure how different the outcome would have been had I applied strictly MD as well)--I applied this cycle for the 2011 entering class (MD only) and have been accepted! What I did in the wait that I feel made the most difference...

1. Re-took the MCAT, twice: 2007 MCAT (24Q), May 2009 (27Q), August 2009 (32Q)

2. Did a SMP: 2007 undergrad cGPA:3.23, sGPA:2.89, SMP: cGPA: 3.79, sGPA: 3.74

3. Applied super early: early June AMCAS/TMDSAS submissions and quick turn around on secondaries

4. (Most Importantly) Never gave up!!!

Good luck, to anyone reading this! It can be done!!!

+100 to faith's post!!

 

[fahimaz7]

This is a great thread!

As for me...I applied in Summer 2007 (Junior in college) to I think 10 schools, but ALL MD/PhD only got pre-interview rejections from all of them (not sure how different the outcome would have been had I applied strictly MD as well)--I applied this cycle for the 2011 entering class (MD only) and have been accepted! What I did in the wait that I feel made the most difference...

1. Re-took the MCAT, twice: 2007 MCAT (24Q), May 2009 (27Q), August 2009 (32Q)

2. Did a SMP: 2007 undergrad cGPA:3.23, sGPA:2.89, SMP: cGPA: 3.79, sGPA: 3.74

3. Applied super early: early June AMCAS/TMDSAS submissions and quick turn around on secondaries

4. (Most Importantly) Never gave up!!!

Good luck, to anyone reading this! It can be done!!!

+100 to faith's post!!

I don't think you had much of a chance with a 3.2/24 to any MD schools during that first cycle. But, you have done very well in a SMP and later MCAT, which got your current acceptances!

Nice job!

 

[mjdelcambre]

First app: 3.0 GPA, Mechanical Engineering Degree, >35 MCAT. Primaries in early November. One interview, in-state school, rejected in June. Decent extracurrics and volunteering, letters.

Second App: 3.1 GPA, attending another school to add a BS in Biology (with the premed stuff, only took the past fall and this spring). Didn't retake MCAT, didn't seek new letters, continued volunteering but didn't add a particularly significant number of hours. Primaries in early July. Applied to a different mix of schools (pretty much had to take what was still available last time, applied much better this time). Four interviews, two acceptances so far and two acceptable lists.

My interview first cycle didn't go exceptionally well, wasn't a disaster but got raked over the coals a bit on my grades. Second cycle interview went much better, partially from the experience gained last time.

It's pretty hard to gauge (my bio backing has increased significantly and the grades reflect this, so that could be a very large factor) but I think the late application is 80% of the reason for the rejection first cycle. It really makes a ton of difference.

 

[srivastk]

Just wanted to say that this is a great thread and thank you to all the posters who shared their application experiences. I'm in my first cycle, waitlisted at two schools, but in the process of accepting that I may have to re-apply and deciding what to do before re-application. Threads like this remind me that I'm not the only one, and that I have to stay focused, persistent, and push ahead. Thanks!

 

[Dice456]

Applied back to back years. Increased GPA and graduated since my first app. Scored in the high 20s on the MCAT and retaking it in May.

 

[prettyperky]

I applied in 2007-08 - no interviews.

Did the following before applying again:

1. Went to grad school, obtained my master's degree
2. Shadowed more physicians
3. Gained more clinical and community volunteering experience
4. Began a great career in health field
5. Re-took the MCAT, improved by 8 points!
6. Never lost sight of my dreams, and focused on Phil. 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"
7. Kept believing in my dreams

I applied again in 2010-11 - ACCEPTED 🙂

I wish you the best in your journey - persistance, passion, and patience is the key.

I ditto your experience and agree with Phil 4:13. Successfully completing med school. UMDNJ-SOM 2014

 

[scrumptrulesent]

Curious... why do you not try DO? I am sure you will be able to get in?

First apps: ran out of money.

Second time: Was interviewed/waitlisted at a top 3 med school in the country, plus 2 in the top half. Really thought I'd make it in.

Definitely applying to DO schools this time around!!

 

[scrumptrulesent]

Thank you for the support and advice... I've got 2 weeks until my second attempt to get my score back (getting 13's on the practice sections!!), but I've seen that before, too...

I really appreciate the positive thoughts on this thread!