Options after medical school application process?

[pencap]

I just want to be safe here guys and I know you guys have a great deal of info. I have yet to take my MCAT so I do not know how things are going to be for me in the future, but hypothetically if I were not to get into medical school because my GPA is not high enough or my MCAT is mediocre, what are the next steps to take? What do people do after they have not been accepted during their first cycle, but are adament in becoming a doctor? Any suggestions/things I should look into just in case things do not go as well as I want.

Thanks

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[theseeker4]

I just want to be safe here guys and I know you guys have a great deal of info. I have yet to take my MCAT so I do not know how things are going to be for me in the future, but hypothetically if I were not to get into medical school because my GPA is not high enough or my MCAT is mediocre, what are the next steps to take? What do people do after they have not been accepted during their first cycle, but are adament in becoming a doctor? Any suggestions/things I should look into just in case things do not go as well as I want.

Thanks

For the MCAT, it is pretty simple, prep better and retake.

For GPA repair, taking more classes for As, retaking poor grades for As, entering an SMP and doing well, or taking advantage of DO grade replacement are all options. Which one works for you depends on your GPA, classes you have taken, number of credits you have, etc.

 

[DolFAN]

I believe there is a sub forum for re-applicants. I would suggest going there and reading what they have to say.

Good luck brah

 

[circulus vitios]

You're missing the scenario of having a good GPA and MCAT and being rejected anyways.

 

[notbobtrustme]

Until you are accepted, you should always be working to make your application better. I applied in late 2011 with a 3.7/37T and spent most of 2012 making my application stronger. I was fortunate enough to be accepted off the waitlist in June. Medical school admissions are almost never a sure thing and until you are sitting with an acceptance in you hand, you should be working on aspects of your application that are weak (research, volunteering, GPA, MCAT).

 

[pencap]

You're missing the scenario of having a good GPA and MCAT and being rejected anyways.

Haha, exactly it's so competitive I'm starting to get a little frightened. Just want to make sure I have all scenarios planned out, even if it's a negative view.

 

[MusicJunkie]

Haha, exactly it's so competitive I'm starting to get a little frightened. Just want to make sure I have all scenarios planned out, even if it's a negative view.

Don't be a frightened. It is a really competitive applicant pool these days, but as long as you are smart about the entire process (and research as much as you can), you will get in somewhere eventually. The thing is, there are a lot of applicants that do end up having to reapply. It's not ideal, but it's also not the end of the world if you do either. Many applicants beef up their application and end up getting into better schools than they had originally anticipated. Not only that, you may find that the experiences you have are really awesome and help you grow as an individual. This, in turn, gives you something to discuss in your personal statement or on interviews.

If you don't do well on the MCAT, retake. GPA is a little tricker, but theseeker has given you some good advice. A post-bacc is another option as well.

Get the best grades you can, give your all on the MCAT, and make sure you've garnered some clinical experiences (along with pursuing your own outside interests). Also, I wouldn't actively plan on failing, but be aware that the medical school application cycle can sometimes feel like a gamble and be prepared to try again if necessary.

Good luck to you!