*Official-2006 Reapplicants

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fireorose

fireorose

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Well I made the decision before I get my last med's rejection letter. I'm official reapplying next year aka June aka 2 months from now! My plan: Study my butt off for the Aug MCAT(my last score was a 22M). And I enrolled for a summer class to get certified as an EMT-B. I figure it'll be a way to get clinical experience and support myself next year.

So I got a few questions for successful reapplicants: Did you get new letters of rec?, Did you feel at a disadv if you took the aug mcat(plus i'm tx resident)?, Anyone work as an EMT and have words of advice/discouragement/encouragement?

Secondly, anyone need a reapplicant buddy? Nobody wants to be alone!
 
hey fireorose.... i was a reapplicant this year. what you have going on sounds like a GREAT start, especially working on the MCAT. My only words of caution would be to not necessarily apply right away (i.e. for the 2006 cycle). If you are going to reapply you want to make sure you take the time and make your application as strong as it possibly can be.

If you are going to want to talk about EMT experience in a personal statement, you will likely have more to say in a years time. And I was an April MCATer so I cant' really speak about the effects of an Aug MCAT on reapp, but I'm sure it does hold your application up a bit at the beginning, especially since a major part of reapplication for you will be to increase your score. I applied in 2003 originally, and then worked in clinica research and took additional coursework for a year and reapplied this cycle, which I really feel helped me a lot in terms of both maturity and the strength of my application.
Goodluck!
 
Is the MCAT the only bad part of your app? If so then yes a good score in August will get you accepted. If your GPA needs help and you have no shadowing or clinical experience you may need to take a year to help in these areas as well. I reapplied this year and basically just improved my MCAT. Worked for me. Good luck 👍
 
Well, I've decided to cover all of my bases as well and re-apply. I think I finally figured out what the problem was with my application. Let me give you the run down of me.

Graduated from Baylor in 3.5 years. GPA 3.95 (science 3.90). MCAT 30O. Applied to about 16 schools...5 instate (texas resident), the rest out of state. Finished most of my primaries in June, most of my secondaries over the span of when i got them. I think my biggest problems were 1) Letters of recommendation weren't submitted to the schools until mid-november, and 2) although i asked 5 profs to send letters of rec...i only think that 2 of them actually sent them.

So, after having it out with myself, parents, and friends...I've decided to take the April MCAT and reapply as early as possible with as many positive letters of rec as I can. I think the hardest part about this whole thing is the lack of support I'm getting from my folks, even though they want me to succeed. Hopefully we can get some re-applicant buddies to be there for this coming year.
 
^^^ i understand how you feel with your family. my family just wants me into med school when in actuality i wasn't ready at all. i still had a few things i had to figure out about myself and my situation (seen in another thread here).
 
It looks like I will be reapplying come June as well. I still have one school I am waiting to hear back from, but I'm not too optimistic.

Question: My application has not changed that much, but I plan on applying ALOT earlier this year (June as opposed to October- I was an August MCATer) and I want to start volunteering again. I have been out of school for a year with a gpa on the low end (avg 3.4) and have been debating whether or not to take summer classes at a community college (that is all I can afford). My question is, would adcoms look upon this favorably, or do community college classes not make much of an impact?
 
Hey Baylorguy I'm a TX resident as well. This year I applied to 4 TX schools and a bunch out of state. This next cycle I'm going to apply to all the TX ones. I'm moving to Houston since my fiancee got into a PHD program down there. I'm abouts to graduate from UT. But yup I'm reapplying and us reapplicants MUST stick together 🙂

I guess as a topic change do you know any nice places to stay that are decent in price?? We really want a newer apartment but are trying to stay at rent less that 900/month?
 
fireorose said:
Hey Baylorguy I'm a TX resident as well. This year I applied to 4 TX schools and a bunch out of state. This next cycle I'm going to apply to all the TX ones. I'm moving to Houston since my fiancee got into a PHD program down there. I'm abouts to graduate from UT. But yup I'm reapplying and us reapplicants MUST stick together 🙂

I guess as a topic change do you know any nice places to stay that are decent in price?? We really want a newer apartment but are trying to stay at rent less that 900/month?
Click to expand...

It sucks not getting in to the Texas medical schools. We seriously need to stick together. I had a real long talk today with my brother in law who is a surgery resident in Canada...he had some really good words...most of which applied to the interview. He also told me that it would probably be a good idea to do some volunteer research with a deapartment with a medical school that you are interested in (In my case, I'm really looking at the surgery department at Baylor College of Medicine or UT-Houston). He had some really good advice...most of which applied to later on in the application cycle.

On the note about the apartment...it kind of depends where you would like it. I dont know where your fiancee is going to attend school, and from my experiences around Houston the location is going to kind of dictate what the price. If the program is in the medical center you are going to have a little higher rent (I'm not positive but maybe in the range you are looking for)...if the program is at University of Houston, rent maybe cheaper. Check out where the PHD program is at and get back to me.
 
Sign me up, even though I'm not from TX. 😉
 
Erasmus said:
Sign me up, even though I'm not from TX. 😉
Click to expand...
Of course you can join! lol
Anyhow yea he got into a PHD program at U of H. We're probably looking in the west side of houston for apartments I guess. But yea I enrolled at North Harris for EMT classes this summer should be interesting. What are you guys doing for your year off??
 
fireorose said:
What are you guys doing for your year off??
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Well I'm at NIH now so I guess if my last hope doesnt pull through (which I'm thinking it wont) I will stay here for another year. And I guess try and strengthen my aplication. And OBVIOUSLY live it up before subjecting myself to the application process again!
 
Unfortunately I don’t know too much about west Houston...I represent the east side. But I’m pretty sure there is someone on these boards that know a little more about west Houston than myself.

But yeah, just wanted to check up on how you are keeping up at the whole reapplication process. I'm retaking my MCAT even though i got a decent score (30)...I took a diag yesterday and got a 32-33...with the verbal sub-10. I think i can pull it up.

I wanted to ask you guys...because the schools are probably going to ask us this anyway...what ya'll are doing to make your application better? I'm retaking my test and volunteering at a number of places, but is that enough to make me look that appetizing?? Anybody have any good ideas on making the app better, besides logistics (getting it done early)??
 
I'm started tutoring kids at a elementary school, started working just got inducted into an honors society, but those are the only changes to my extracurriculars.But I truly believe for me I need to get my MCAT in the 30+ range so that's what I'm aiming for. I think taking a year off and growing in maturity may also be a plus for us?? Next year I want to try to get a job at the medical center area as well. Do you know how to go about talking to admissions committees about improving your application?? I'd really like to know if I need to change letters, get more clinic experience or what??

I guess just in summary I'd really like to make sure I'm improving in the right areas to get into certain schools(Baylor, UT Houston, or UTMB). So I totally know what you're saying. I sent an email to admissions at baylor and UT Houston in hopes they will respond...I'll let you know if its helpful.

So you're taking the august or the april mcat?? I'm taking it in august to make sure I have enough time. Anyways, those are just some of my ramblings..
 
I'm reapplying, too. Not retaking MCAT (got a 29), not much I can do about my GPA ('cuz I screwed myself with 2 years of college a number of years ago - but my GPA this 'time round all by itself is a 3.7). I did apply late last cycle, tho - so I'm ready for June! Got my PS written and ready to go.

Anyone else applying to DO and MD the second time? Not selling out mind you, but after looking into DO philosophy more it was surprising how much I like it. And they are known to be kinder to non-trads (four MD schools said I was "too old"). I have lots of experience so that's not an issue. I think my biggest hurdle was timing.

I'm promising myself to get stuff in EARLY EARLY EARLY EARLY!!
 
I'm gonna try and take the april MCAT....yes i know its only 3 weeks away and i actually only started studying 3 weeks ago. But i've been out of school and haven't been able to snag a job with anyone so its been 3 weeks of head on studying (at least 4+ hours everyday for 6 to 7 days per week). Its kind of hectic, but i've now switched to primarly practicing problems and getting back in the groove and the endurance part of the MCAT...i think i've got the knowledge for it, but not the stamina for it yet. I think i'll be ready, if not, then i'll drop the test and keep my 30.

I'm looking into MD and DO schools...i'm also looking into Canadian schools for some reason. I just hope things go well. I need to get on the ball after i take my mcat and start on my personal statement so i can pretty much finish the primary application at the earliest possible date in one sitting....God, that would be so awesome.
 
fireorose said:
Well I made the decision before I get my last med's rejection letter. I'm official reapplying next year aka June aka 2 months from now! My plan: Study my butt off for the Aug MCAT(my last score was a 22M). And I enrolled for a summer class to get certified as an EMT-B. I figure it'll be a way to get clinical experience and support myself next year.

So I got a few questions for successful reapplicants: Did you get new letters of rec?, Did you feel at a disadv if you took the aug mcat(plus i'm tx resident)?, Anyone work as an EMT and have words of advice/discouragement/encouragement?

Secondly, anyone need a reapplicant buddy? Nobody wants to be alone!
Click to expand...

Looks like I will be reapplying next year. My MCAT is good, my undergrad GPA is bad, but is as good as I'm gonna be able to get it by now.

I'm planning to go to the Georgetown SMP this year and re-apply during the year.
 
fireorose said:
Anyone work as an EMT and have words of advice/discouragement/encouragement?

Secondly, anyone need a reapplicant buddy? Nobody wants to be alone!
Click to expand...

I got my last rejection letter a few weeks ago, so I'm reapplying with the rest of ya. I'm also taking the MCAT in August. Got room for one more in the group? 😕 😳

Fireorose, my full time job is a paramedic. I can't speak for how the EMS program is in TX; every state has its own EMS program and their own set or rules, but if you have any questions, hit me up and I'll see if I can help you out.

August MCAT is 21 weeks away!! Has anyone else besides me started studying for it????
 
I too plan to apply this June. I also plan on taking the MCAT in August. I am going to submit my current scores so that my application won't get held up. Once my October MCAT score is available, I will release it to ADCOMS. Btw, does anyone know if this is possible?

I am currently shadowing a local doctor, planning to get back into volunteering ASAP (Habitat for Humanity project in mid-April, infectious disease clinic, etc.), working full-time in the R&D department for a very large pharmaceutical company, recently inducted in Phi Kappa Beta, a member of a college recruiting team for my company, etc.

I am worried about updating my LORs. I will get my school's premedical committee to update my recommendation, but I would like to get new recs. I am hoping to get a rec from the doctor I have shadowed. Unfortunately I can't get a rec from my bosses b/c of a good chance of being fired from the company. Anyone else have an issue like this? Any recommendations?
 
Hey I want to submit my scores too, but I have a fear of getting rejecting before they get my august scores in october....but at the same time I don't want to have my app held up since it won't be complete until october. It's quite a dilemma...
 
Im probably going to reapply, unless I decide to apply really late to the last two DO schools taking apps. Im just working on smoking a ton of hard sciences before next year, im set on MCAT scores. Having trouble getting clinical experience though
 
vir0n said:
I too plan to apply this June. I also plan on taking the MCAT in August. I am going to submit my current scores so that my application won't get held up. Once my October MCAT score is available, I will release it to ADCOMS. Btw, does anyone know if this is possible?

Yes, it is possible. It is exactly what I did. Just make sure that you check off the little box on the AMCAS application saying that you are taking the August MCAT. Some schools will send you their secondaries (based on your original MCAT) and some will just hold off until they see your 2nd score (like Wake). Wishing you the best of luck :luck:
Click to expand...
 
boobah16 said:
Well I'm at NIH now so I guess if my last hope doesnt pull through (which I'm thinking it wont) I will stay here for another year. And I guess try and strengthen my aplication. And OBVIOUSLY live it up before subjecting myself to the application process again!
Click to expand...

:luck: For your last application.

What sort of work are you doing at the NIH if you don't mind me asking? I think working there or the CDC would be awesome. Unfortunately I think you need to have a masters to get in the door. :laugh:
 
Erasmus said:
:luck: For your last application.

What sort of work are you doing at the NIH if you don't mind me asking? I think working there or the CDC would be awesome. Unfortunately I think you need to have a masters to get in the door. :laugh:
Click to expand...


You don't need a masters to get in the door.
Sign up for the post-Bac IRTA program.

I worked here last summer (before my senior year) graduated in Dec. and have been working here at NIH ever since.

I also will be reapplying in June.
I'm sure it will only be more fun this time around.
 
Erasmus said:
:luck: For your last application.

What sort of work are you doing at the NIH if you don't mind me asking? I think working there or the CDC would be awesome. Unfortunately I think you need to have a masters to get in the door. :laugh:
Click to expand...

Its not as hard as you think. I am a CRTA (same thing as an IRTA-Intramural Research Training Award- but for Cancer-with NCI). Its a post-bacc position with for a max period of 2 years. Its an easy app (online) and all you need are a couple LOR which I'm sure you have already. Depending on where you are placed it can be a great OR awful experience (so I hear). Right now I love what I'm doing and it has completely changed my opinion of research. Here are some links that might help answer your questions about the program... but feel free to PM me if you have any more 🙂
http://preirta.nih.gov/home.asp
http://www.training.nih.gov/student/Pre-IRTA/previewpostbac.asp?AppType=Postbac
 
jklasser17 said:
You don't need a masters to get in the door.
Sign up for the post-Bac IRTA program.

I worked here last summer (before my senior year) graduated in Dec. and have been working here at NIH ever since.

I also will be reapplying in June.
I'm sure it will only be more fun this time around.
Click to expand...

Where institute are you in? Maybe we can be reapplication buddies 😀
 
Hey there, I'm in the same boat. I am re-taking the MCAT this August as well, we've got some studying to do!

Do you have any clinical experience in your app?
 
I'll be a reapplicant again. Not retaking MCAT. Working on my PS now.
 
Thanks JK and Boobah, that looks extremely cool!

I wonder if they'd take a pre-med committee letter, or the original letters my profs wrote for medical school. I'm terrified of asking for LOR (I feel badly about it because it's a b*tch job). 😳

I'll have to e-mail and find out.


Thanks and good luck! :luck:
 
Erasmus said:
Thanks JK and Boobah, that looks extremely cool!

I wonder if they'd take a pre-med committee letter, or the original letters my profs wrote for medical school. I'm terrified of asking for LOR (I feel badly about it because it's a b*tch job). 😳

I'll have to e-mail and find out.


Thanks and good luck! :luck:
Click to expand...


I think it would be to your advantage to have your LORs specific to research.
 
boobah16 said:
Well I'm at NIH now so I guess if my last hope doesnt pull through (which I'm thinking it wont) I will stay here for another year. And I guess try and strengthen my aplication. And OBVIOUSLY live it up before subjecting myself to the application process again!
Click to expand...

just curious, what section of NIH are you working in now? Do they provide any support to medical school applicants?

Thanks for the info! 👍
 
Speaking of personal statements and LORs...are you guys getting new LORs?? I was thinking about getting new ones, but at the same time my profs I've had since then dont know me as well and i don't think the letters would be better. Will adcoms look badly at this?? Also, I started revising my personal statement but I havent changed much...and the feelings/portrayl of myself are still pretty accurate?? Should I just start all over??
 
I dont know too much about this fireorose, but i do know this...I'm going to be getting new LORs and redo my PS. There was a thread on another page or forum kind of talking about this and we kind of came to the conclusion that it would be best to get new LORS. Usually, adcoms will still take old LORs, but its good to have some new ones to complement them.

Also, for PS, someone stated that if the PS didnt get you in the first time, then it may not get you in the second time. I know it sounds like a hassle and i know that none of us really want to write ANOTHER personal statement, but i've from someplace that its harder to get in your second time around. Plus, i've found some mistakes in my old PS and there is more stuff that i want to add this time to make it more appealing.
 
Passion461 said:
just curious, what section of NIH are you working in now? Do they provide any support to medical school applicants?

Thanks for the info! 👍
Click to expand...

I work at the National Cancer Institute right now, and Im not sure what you mean by support, but they are very understanding about needed time off for interviews and such. My PI even let me study for the MCAT during downtimes at work last summer. The only requirement of the position is that you have to be actively applying to med or grad school while you are working there... but since you are on this forum, I'm sure that wont be a problem 🙂 Good luck to you!
 
Passion461 said:
just curious, what section of NIH are you working in now? Do they provide any support to medical school applicants?

Thanks for the info! 👍
Click to expand...


I work over at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. They don't provide any support, per se. However, they do provide lectures on interviews, etc. and this is a great place to make contacts. There are quite a few people here in the same boat.

A lot will ride on your PI, most of them understand that you are seeking to make an impact on the world, and will encourage you to do the best that you can. As long as you work hard, most will give you the time necessary to study. My PI gave me the week before the MCAT off, in turn, I worked a couple extra wknds.

Hope it helps.

Peace,
dave k
 
Erasmus said:
Thanks JK and Boobah, that looks extremely cool!
:luck:
Click to expand...

you also don't need to necessarily do the IRTA program.
I am currently receiving outside funding to do my research.

Just do a little research, find out who you may want to work for, and e-mail them. If you show genuine interest in the project, they may be able to procure outside funding for you.

I e-mailed a ton of people last year and finally got a positive answer. All you need is one.

Good luck!!

dave k
 
An update for you guys. Took the MCAT this past Saturday....lets hope i did better, i think i may have bombed Verbal...but oh well. On a side note, i just got offered a research assistantship at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. I'm rather excited because now i can do something post-MCAT except for stressing on my LORs and my apps.

Any other news??
 
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