•••quote:•••Originally posted by sng33:
•California, what things did you do to improve your application, and did you contact schools to ask them what was lacking in your application?•••••In response to you question Sng33, I did the following things the second time I applied in order to improve my application and ensure my acceptance:
(1) Before submitting my AMCAS application again, I personally met with an Admissions Counselor at a medical school close to where I live. She looked over my application and told me, "You will be accepted to medical school next year." In addition, she suggested I write my essays a little different when I apply again. This was a bull**** answer; she had no real reason. So, I spoke to Admissions Counselors at other medical schools, especially the schools that waitlisted me, as well as anyone else who had insight on the medical school application process.
(2) I made sure to apply early and submit all of my secondary applications as soon as possible. The first time I applied I took the MCAT in August and was literally turning in my supplementary applications the day before the various deadlines. This is no good. In regards to my secondary applications, I took the time to re-write almost all of them and improve them.
(3) I began shadowing a physician who worked in an area I was interested in. I had a lot of research experience in this area as well general clincial experience the first time I applied, but none directly with this specific field--the field I was interested in. I talked about this *experience* extensively in my essays, which I think clearly demonstrated to various Admission Committees that I knew the realities of medicine.
(4) I began working fulltime in a reserach center, where I spent the past three summers during my undergraduate education. I did *real* research and will publish a paper soon. (NOTE: You do not have to publish a research paper to be accepted to medical school.)
(5) During my interviews the second time I applied, I made sure to use the fact that I applied a year ago to my advantage. I think it really demonstrated my persistence and dedication to medicine.
In sum, I think if you are applying for a second or third time you have to make sure you address your weaknesses. If you have low grades, you need to do a post-bac program. If you have a low MCAT, you have to take it again AND improve. If you have little or no clinical experience, you have to get some. The point is: show improvement and address your weaknesses. 😀
