Pro and Con list of applying this year vs next year. Please read! :)

[lovepediatrics]

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Hey everyone!

So I keep stressing on whether or not I should even apply this year because I'll be submitting my app very late (october) with average stats. I created a pro and con list of applying this year vs next year. Can you guys tell me what you think I should do? If you think it would be better for me to apply next year, could you please DRILL that suggestion into my head so I quit obsessing over this fact and stop getting upset that I'll have to wait an entire year to apply?

Pros of applying this year
- see if i can get in somewhere
- graduating this year (May 2012)
- get done with this process ASAP and get into med school
-slim chance of getting in
- good ec's
- know what i'm going to write abt for ps

Cons of applying this year
- average stats: 3.66cGPA, 3.35 sGPA (may be 3.4 depending on which courses r considered BCPM...read my last thread)
- no shadowing
-no LORS
-no personal statement
- transcripts not in yet
-no MCAT yet....taking in september (aiming for 30+)
-AMCAS app not completed yet (no ecs added/ps/mcat/LOR)..will be submitted very late (october)
- will be very rushed
-might not get in

Pros of applying next year
-free time from school
- shadowing done
- LORS in and done early
- higher stats hopefully: 3.71 cGPA, 3.45sGPA (may be 3.5 depending on courses considered for BCPM..read my last thread)
- submit AMCAS app by June 1
- hopefully good MCAT score..if not, retake in early part of school year
- think about personal statement
- increased ec's
- more research
- more experiences to write about
- won't be rushed
- better chance of getting in

Cons of applying next year
- frowned upon in community
- have to wait an entire year
- might not get in


I know that the pros of applying next year outweigh everything, but can someone plz just give me assurance that it's gonna be fine if i just wait? or if you think i'd be fine applying this year with my stats? do u think my stats next year could significantly increase my chances of getting into my state schools (MI)? I think i'm just worrying too much cuz i may not even get in next year either and then I'm in real trouble. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

 

[lovepediatrics]

don't get me wrong..i want to apply this year...but if i can increase my chances by waiting a year, i'll do that...

 

[Catalystik]

Higher stats and reversing the downward grade trend this last year's Cs gave you will definitely improve your chances, in addition to the improvements you plan for your application. It's never a good idea to apply with a downward grade trend and a rushed, half-baked application.

 

[TriagePreMed]

don't get me wrong..i want to apply this year...but if i can increase my chances by waiting a year, i'll do that...

Really? You see that pro and con list where it basically screams "no **** you'll have better chance next year" and are still in doubt? You don't even have an LOR.

 

[raltima07]

Really? You see that pro and con list where it basically screams "no **** you'll have better chance next year" and are still in doubt? You don't even have an LOR.

Yea, the LOR things and submitting in october makes next year a better option imo. If you could speed it up, thats different.

 

[lovepediatrics]

wow the LOR thing was the least thing i was worried about...i already know who to ask and everything...i was more worried abt getting my app done in time with a good PS....

 

[leggo]

You are already super late in the cycle, so it would be risky. A Sep MCAT really hinders your chances, since schools have already done interviews. And I don't think you can just assume around a 30, since if you get lower than prob a 32, your chances will go down. So again, it would be risky.

 

[bajastapler]

I think you answered your own question 🙂. Apply next cycle

Cons of applying next year
frowned upon in community

Not sure what you mean by this, but the avg age of matriculation is around 23ish no?

 

[Whatyousay]

Why the rush to apply if you're not competitive?

Life is too short to waste a year hoping to get off of waitlists.