Reapplication Buddies-July!!!

[mrsmac]

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Hey guys,

It's me..mrsmac. I hope all is going well with everyone. Happy Independence Day. It's July already. For those of taking the MCAT in August, it's coming fast. I must admit that I was studying well in June, but with the 4th of July right around the corner, I've been slacking a little. I'll get back on the ball on Tuesday. Anyway, here's my update:

Received my MCAT ticket last week. Now, I've got to remember to get that stupid picture taken.

Application has been processed by AMCAS. (after totally redoing my personal statement-which I thought was much better this time around).

Studying at home for MCAT in August (using Examkrackers-seems pretty good), but you really have to be a self-starter to do this!

Would you believe I forgot to add my stats last time?
Undergrad gpa (3.0-biology)
Graduate gpa (3.9) Environmental Science
MCAT #1-22O
MCAT#2-22O
MCAT#3-????
I also have published research (microbiology) and shadowing experience.

Now, I added my stats so that ANYONE who is in our group need not be ashamed/embarrassed by any score. Hell...I still think I'm smart
So, if I get in there is hope for the hopeless. I would like this group to be tolerant of everyone. You guys have been great and have given good information to everyone with questions.

Before I sign off, here's my question.

For those who are taking the MCAT in August and who have submitted your application, do you expect to get secondaries before your scores arrive?

Peace,
mrsmac

PS. Our group is still nameless, but we have made our mark!

 

[dsherida]

You actually do get secondaries before scores arrive, at least that is what happened for me last year. The schools that have screening before secondaries(which doesn't seem to be many) wait until the scores come in, some even give you the benefit of the doubt that you will get above their minimum. Either way, you can have your file all done and when your scores come in, it will be complete right away. Good luck, and I will be just as relieved once the test is over on August 14th.

 

[dancer817]

Hi mrsmac,

I applied last year and if I don't get off one of my waitlists then I will be reapplying again. As for secondaries, I got all of them before my scores on the MCAT were released...but I had also marked NO on the MCAT question on AMCAS because I wasn't sure. Most of the secondaries have a question about whether you are taking the MCAT and if you want them to hold your file until they get those scores!!

Good luck studying, the Examkrackers are great (I am using them this time too!!) But, I do find that I have to nag myself to study a lot!!

PM me if you have any questions about secondaries...I've been through them once...and may have to again!!

 

[kmjannie]

Haven't written in awhile. There really isn't too much new going on. I am just waiting to see if AMCAS starts transmitting this coming Tuesday (as I'm sure many of you are as well). Been busy with the kitten, Faith Ann, and we have decided to get her a kitten friend/playmate to be named Charity Lou. So, I'm "one of those cat people" now.... 😀 😀 😀 Best of luck to those studying for the upcoming MCAT, and good luck with secondaries! Will post when I hear anything. Re-App Buddies, UNITE!!!!

Cheers (and a Happy 4th),
KJ

 

[ma-bas]

Hey kmjannie,

I'm a little behind on my AMCAS compared to last year. Did you have to get new transcripts even though your app was already complete from last year? I was assuming I wouldn't have to but it appears I do. Am I missing something?

Thanks, ma-bas

 

[kmjannie]

Hey kmjannie,

I'm a little behind on my AMCAS compared to last year. Did you have to get new transcripts even though your app was already complete from last year? I was assuming I wouldn't have to but it appears I do. Am I missing something?

Thanks, ma-bas

Yeah, you need to get everything again. Kind of stinks, but that's AMCAS for ya. Best of luck!

Cheers,
KJ

 

[waitman192]

Hey,
You do have to resumbit your transcript, even if it was complete from last year... they want a new one on file. (Why the more paper? I am not too sure)

On the MCATs... I totally here ya (thanks for reminding me about the picture too! I would have forgotten... hehe). My studying definetely went downhill on July 4 weekend and then there is apartment hunting that I have been going through to make even more excuses to stop studying and look up more places online. Hopefully I will find a place tomorrow and I can stop worrying (I am looking at places tomorrow, I am not just hoping the perfect place to falls in my lap!). There is gonna be a HUGE sigh of relief on August 14th... people in my program (Georgetown SMP) are already making plans for a party that night. So that is at least something to look forward too on August 14 (though I may be so drained I just wanna crawl up on the couch with the remote control).

Secondaries... more and more places are giving automatic secondaries so for most places (not Wake, Duke and MCV/VCU off the top of my head) will give you an automatic secondary. Otherwise, I think some schools may just wait til your scores are... last year my friend and I both applied to Wake and I was rejected outright, and she was put on hold until her new scores came in - she was 2 points below my score - so they really do wait... no pun intended (ps: my name is actually wait).

Hope that helps some - I know it serves as an excuse for me not to study 🙂

peace
-wait

 

[jetskigirl]

This is the oddest feeling in the world. I am actually jealous that I am not taking the August MCAT.

If I stop and think about it a second, I know I'm being ridiculous. No one really wants to take the MCAT. Ever. But just about everyone else is studying, and I feel like I too should be studying. I'm part of this group too, and I should be taking the MCAT in a month.

And then I remember last time, and the feeling passes.

Kudos to all of you for studying so hard. Even more kudos for taking time off for the fourth. I hope it was a nice break in the turbulence of what we call AMCAS.

Back in May, I set a goal for myself to get my secondaries sent off 48 hours after I received them, as opposed to 2 months last time. However, that was when I was right after I finished my thesis defense and graduated and was feeling very motivated. For a months and a half now, I have done nothing. Unable to find a job in my field out here (I guess the job market is as hard to get into in California as the schools are), I have completely slacked off and have enjoyed luxuries like waking up at 11 am. With AMCAS threatening to transmit next week, I'm scared.

So to all of you taking the MCAT, good luck studying. And if you can spare a little ambition, I could use it about now.

Best wishes to all.

 

[dulcinea]

mrsmac-good luck!!! i had to take it twice and actually scored worse the second time so i know how frustrating it can be to take it three times. you're right, this test is not an indication of your intelligence and i hope that you get into medical school this time. i hope we all do!!! good luck july reapps!

 

[jetskigirl]

Just like I thought. I got my first secondary today (Georgetown) and I'm freaking out. Here's to canceling all of my other plans to get these things completed. Good luck to everyone as AMCAS starts transmitting our apps.

 

[DoctorFunk]

Just like I thought. I got my first secondary today (Georgetown) and I'm freaking out. Here's to canceling all of my other plans to get these things completed. Good luck to everyone as AMCAS starts transmitting our apps.

Sounds alot like my reaction to getting my first secondary from MCW. I ask you, what other process could make a relatively well-adjusted, bright, 23 year-old male start freaking out over getting a 2" by 2" picture taken and sent to a school? And don't even get me started about their requirements for letters of recommendation!!!

That being said, I wish all of the Reapp buddies good luck. This month may be one of the busier months in the whole cycle, but we can always remind ourselves of the light at the end of the tunnel as we answer for the 3,783rd time why we want to be a doctor (in 300 characters or less, counting spaces). 😉

 

[nina512]

I just recieved my first secondary also from Ohio State. They haven't verified my AMCAS, but they sent a secondary anyway. It's due 30 days from now...better get started!

I hope my recommenders get their letters in on time!

 

[Bright Star]

I just recieved my first secondary also from Ohio State. They haven't verified my AMCAS, but they sent a secondary anyway. It's due 30 days from now...better get started!

I hope my recommenders get their letters in on time!

I feel the same way..I would hate to get all my stuff in on time and my recommenders were late with their letters. But I have faith in all of them.

Good luck to everyone

 

[waitman192]

amcas processed today!! and the apartment hunt is all but over. that means the only thing left now is the dreaded MCAT. (and secondaries when they hopefully start rolling in). hoooooooooray.

-wa

 

[anitra627]

This is the oddest feeling in the world. I am actually jealous that I am not taking the August MCAT.

If I stop and think about it a second, I know I'm being ridiculous. No one really wants to take the MCAT. Ever. But just about everyone else is studying, and I feel like I too should be studying. I'm part of this group too, and I should be taking the MCAT in a month.

And then I remember last time, and the feeling passes.

Kudos to all of you for studying so hard. Even more kudos for taking time off for the fourth. I hope it was a nice break in the turbulence of what we call AMCAS.

Back in May, I set a goal for myself to get my secondaries sent off 48 hours after I received them, as opposed to 2 months last time. However, that was when I was right after I finished my thesis defense and graduated and was feeling very motivated. For a months and a half now, I have done nothing. Unable to find a job in my field out here (I guess the job market is as hard to get into in California as the schools are), I have completely slacked off and have enjoyed luxuries like waking up at 11 am. With AMCAS threatening to transmit next week, I'm scared.

So to all of you taking the MCAT, good luck studying. And if you can spare a little ambition, I could use it about now.

Best wishes to all.

Jetskigrl! I totally have that same feeling! And I'm actually really torn up about it. I'm reapplying and I know that the reason I didn't get in the first time around was my low BCPM gpa, which I have improved a lot during the past year. My most recent MCAT was a 30Q, with 10s in each section. My boyfriend keeps telling me that that's totally fine and great and that I shouldn't bother taking it again.

Here's the thing- I took the MCAT twice last year- once in April (8P, 9B, 12V) and then in August. But my issue is that I took the exams after non having ANY science in over four years. I studied very hard, but I was also overwhelmed during the process. I was in grad school for the first exam and studied in Africa for the second exam (which I actually had to take a month later in September since I showed up to the exam and they told me it was canceled because of the blackout in NY 😱 which totally delayed me secondaries. . .blah blah blah). My point is, I did study hard and it was definitely better the second time around. But this past year, I've been taking a number of courses to improve my BCPM, including physics again, physiology, anatomy, and cell chemistry. I sit there in these classes and I'm like- "God if I only had this before I took the MCAT last time, I would have been so much better off!" It just sinks in so much after doing that kind of material so many times in one year. I can't believe I just said that. Anyway, I really think that if I studied I could do a lot better. I know that this sounds crazy, but its a weird personal thing I have- I almost just want to prove that my scores reflect how I performed when I had the right tools. I hate that the scores I have came at a time when the other kids in the room had just finished orgo or something and I can only optimistically wonder how I would perform now, at the same starting point as lot of these other peeps. Then again, I do NOT want to get a lower score, but I guess I just wouldn't show up if I start scoring low on practice tests. I feel like I've been studying for this stupid thing for over a year now- knowingly and not knowingly- just because of the classes I have been taking.


Having been rejected once, I just want to know that if I don't get into the medical school of my choice this next time around- it isn't because of my MCAT score, you know?

But I know I'm being neurotic. I think I'm addicted to this test. Maybe I need to see a doctor. I feel totally insane even thinking about this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for the rant, but its just something I had to get off my chest and out there to the eyes of anyone who can either tell me I'm crazy, or see my point. Go**amn MCAT!

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

Hi, everyone:

I'm still hanging on to a thread of hope that I'll get in off one of the two waitlists I'm on (Stony Brook and AECOM), but obviously not counting on it. I certified my AMCAS and submitted this afternoon! Woo Hoo!!

Now, if I could only study for the MCAT...the f/t job and toddler son don't help the process. I do feel more confident about it this time; I'm not sure why. I'm probably just exhausted! If I can get my score up just a little bit (2-4 points, I'm told), I think I have a good shot somewhere. I just hope a month+ is enough time to prepare!

Good luck to everyone and hang in there!

BH

 

[mrsmac]

Hey there everyone,

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. To all those who have submitted their applications..congrats. To those studying for this test next month ( 😱 ) good luck. For those of you still waiting to hear from schools, my fingers are crossed for you, I hope you don't get to hang around this club much longer 😀

Anyway, I've been studying since the second week of June and I've hit the infamous wall. If I see one more structure asking for absolute conformations, or one more passage on centripetal acceleration, I'm going to scream! The sad thing is that there are 4 more weeks to go. And to think, there are those of you who already have secondaries to work on. God bless you!! I'm sure this lull of mine will pass, so I must be off to study a little more before putting the young ones to bed. Take care, and keep pressin' towards the mark.

Peace,
mrsmac

 

[ma-bas]

Shout out to mrsmac and everyone else.

Oooo, I'm just sitting on my AMCAS, all done and ready to go. I am just waiting on feedback of my PS from boss and MD co-wroker before sending it in this week. I know I am am a little behind, but wtf, I just need this last affiramtion from them, that is unless they totally rip it apart.

hey mrsmac, why don't you take a day off? I know it is so hard to do when studying, to tear yourself away. But if you aren't being productive, giving yourself a little time to do something normal, whether it is doing something fun, or cleaning your house, can be good to give your mind a much needed rest. I just remember, for myself, how hard it was to tear myself away.

There is one thing I think helped me immensely, and I have mentioned it before. I stopped studying a whole week before the exam. It was hard to do. I was tempted to peek back at my books, but I resisted and went in with a clear head, and I am convinved that was what helped me do well. Maybe it isn't for everyone.

Anyone else feel like it isn't fair that we should be so stressed out in July. I am still resentful that I am not a lifeguard and working outside, even though it had been 10 years. Shouldn't we all just be having fun?

 

[nina512]

Anyone else feel like it isn't fair that we should be so stressed out in July. I am still resentful that I am not a lifeguard and working outside, even though it had been 10 years. Shouldn't we all just be having fun?

I feel ya ma-bas. I'm stuck in doors and in isolation while I finish up this darn thesis. All the while, the sun is shining and the beach is less then a mile away. I spent May studying for finals, June writing my PS for AMCAS, July writing my thesis, then probably secondaries for all of August! Did I mention that I hate writing?

The things you'll do for the only career that's right for you.

For those of you who are studying for the MCAT, good luck! Try to give yourself a few days of relaxation before the big day.

 

[ma-bas]

I did it! I submitted. I was waiting for my boss to read my essay but since he has been promising for weeks, and hasn't, I couldn't wait for affirmation. Oh, now I can just sit back and wait for all 3 of my transcripts to arrive. The agony!

 

[mrsmac]

Hey guys,

Just thought I'd check in to see how everyone is doing. The MCAT is fast approaching for those of us taking it in August! How is everyone's studying going? I feel like I'm going to literally "throw up" so much information on this test it's ridiculous. At the same time, I feel like I need the test to be the end of August instead of the middle. I have a 3 year old birthday party to plan this month and a 5 year old party to plan next month, and my 8th year anniversary is next month as well ( 2 weeks after the MCAT). Needless to say, other responsibilities are calling my name. Nevertheless, I'll continue to study after everyone is asleep and review ALL answers to all practice exams I take just to say "I gave it all I had". After all those years out of undergrad, I'd forgotten what bastards physics and organic were. I hate them! And what exactly is Verbal Reasoning testing again? 😕 Oh well, that's my rant for the day. Hope everyone is as stress as me. I'm off to get a ice cream cone and play with the kids at the park.

Peace,
mrsmac

 

[jetskigirl]

ma-bas is right. Everyone should take a day or two (or week or two) off before the MCAT. Personally, I also found that half a milligram of Ativan the night before the test did the trick for me.

Nina512, I understand where you're coming from. I finished my thesis in April. As much as I enjoyed my research and think it would be great to get a M.D./Ph.D., I just can't imagine writing a dissertation.

And for all of the other reapplication buddies, I need to have an emotional moment and say how happy I am that I'm not going through this alone. Also, this is the first thread where I've been quoted, and I'm psyched.

 

[kmjannie]

ma-bas is right. Everyone should take a day or two (or week or two) off before the MCAT. Personally, I also found that half a milligram of Ativan the night before the test did the trick for me.

Agreed! I went to Noah's Ark Waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells a weekend before my MCAT. It was a nice respite. Didn't take a single text with me, either. Best of luck to all you August 2004 MCAT takers!!!

 

[kmjannie]

Jeesh, I should probably give everyone an update. I have received secondaries from: Medical College of Wisconsin, St. Louis University, Rush University, University of Chicago - Pritzker, and Creighton. I was rejected pre-secondary from the University of Nebraska, but apparently they take very very few out of state people, so I am not too disappointed. Another question for you all - I sent AMCAS to R. Franklin, but now I don't know if I want to complete their secondary (provided that I get one) because of the probation issue. It just scares me a little. Anyone else in the same boat? Where have you all gotten secondaries from? Just curious.

Cheers,
KJ

 

[cammy1313]

So I hope I'm not offending you guys by infiltrating your group. I'm also a reapplicant and applied to some of the same schools so I thought I'd say hi. I noticed, KJ, that you applied to R. Franklin? Me too. I thought about the whole probation issue but I figured since this is my THIRD TIME!!! applying that a probationary school is better than no school. They definately wouldn't leave the students hanging. I applied to Wisconsin too, I loved that secondary because it was all online and pretty simple. The only other secondary I've gotten so far is from George Washington. I REALLY hope there's more on the way!!!

 

[BlueMagpie]

I've recieved them back from Georgetown, U Michigan, UVA, Pritzker, Jefferson, and Temple and am waiting for more ... Do most schools follow this rule of granting everyone secondaries and asking for more money? Shouldn't this be regulated better? I hate the idea of simply giving schools money for secondary apps when they may be intending to reject me anyhow.

-Blue

 

[DoctorFunk]

So far I've received secondaries from Creighton, Medical College of Wisconsin, and University of Minnesota-Duluth. Medical College of Wisconsin was by far the easiest, with no essays (does that mean that they grant interviews more based on stats, or do they simply weigh the personal statement on AMCAS and letters of recommendation more?) The Duluth secondary was a real bear, with 15 paragraph-long essays to answer, and nearly every response could easily have filled a page before cutting down.

That being said, I feel like I finally have my head above water for a bit, at least until the next batch of secondaries (hopefully) show up! Good luck everyone!!!

 

[kmjannie]

Just received University of Iowa secondary today (07/19) and completed it today as well. Easy - 2 short essays, $60 application fee. (It's my state school, by the way).

 

[Ypo.]

I just have a question for any one with 8s on their MCAT. Do people have a problem with osteopathic medicine- why keep throwing all your hopes into becoming an MD year after year and ignore other options?
Just curious about opinions and reasons for not going the DO route because I am considering it. DO 'quack medicine'? Going to do high-tech research?
What?

 

[waitman192]

Helloooooo everyone!
Well with the MCATs bearing down on us (they seem to be getting bigger and bigger) I just thought I would take a study break and post to the crew. I am seeing passages come out of my ears these days - hopefully I won't peak too early. I really hope that those of you who are taking the MCATs in 4 weeks aren't stressing out too much - it's only a test 🙂

I am starting to stress - plus I have started getting secondaries and trying to wade my way through them and coming up with reasons why I want to go the particular medical school, when sometimes I am applying there because I thought it might be a little easier to get in (not east by any stretch of the imagination as we all know). It's hard to believe that I was doing this a year ago (just the applications) and gets kind of depressing as well.

Honestly, my advice right now is not to stress - have confidence that we will triumph this year over the medical school application hurdle, and over the MCAT hurdle. There's no reason why you should believe you can't do it. You're reapplying for one reason and that is because you really... REALLY want to go to medical school. Keep that in mind over the next few weeks and hopefully that will serve as some motivation.

Go get 'em tiger(s)! (and read my signature!!! you gotta think it in order to believe it)

 

[mrsmac]

Hey guys,

Just a quick drop in for me. Wait, I LOVE THE QUOTE and the signature!. Do you mind if I use them? I'll be repeating it to myself on the 14th of next month. I still haven't gotten that picture taken for my MCAT ticket. I haven't gotten any secondaries yet, but I am actually thankful because I couldn't find time to do them right until after this test. ( I only applied to a handfull of schools) I looked on my application and I don't even think some schools have started downloading applications yet. I heard some schools don't log into the system until mid July. 😱 (posted on another thread on the network) That really sucks. Anyway I've got enough to tackle right now and no need adding the stress of worrying about secondaries right now. It's still very early in the game. So, to all of you working on secondaries now, good luck and get them back ASAP!! Remember, keep pressing towards the mark

Peace
mrsmac

 

[mrsmac]

Good day to you all!

I'm hyper due to the large amounts of caffeine I've injested in the last weeks preparing for the MCAT next month. Can't believe it's finally down to the last few weeks. I honestly am about to pee in my pants due to the nervousness.(that could be due to the caffeine..no..caffeine blocks ADH which should subsequently cause dehydration..anyway excuse the anal retentiveness of my last comment Hope all is well with everyone. How are those secondaries coming for you all? Are my MCAT August takers feeling prepared? With the time crunch I know that most comments will be short and that's quiet alright. I'll check back in later.

Peace,
mrsmac

 

[nina512]

One minor setback for me...

It seems that no matter how hard I try, my undergrad performance will always come back to haunt me. One school said they won't allow me to substitute grad school letters for ugrad letters. But since I didn't do that well in undergrad my letters from those profs wouldn't be that great.

It really breaks my confidence that after doing a bunch of cool things inf the past 4 years (research publications, getting a Master's and getting a 30 on the MCAT) I still won't be considered due to undergrad and a lack of LORs from ugrad. 🙁

I hope I still have a shot at other schools. Why does applying to medical school bring out our insecurities and magnify them?

Nina

 

[BlueMagpie]

Nina-

I know how you feel. I've gotten publicatons and done well in my post-undergrad courses, and it really irks me that some med schools refuse to see the progression in my work. But hopefully someone on one of those admissions committees will really admire that you worked so hard and stayed dedicated to the field. And besides, I've talked to a number of institutions who gladly accepted recs from my non-undergrad professors and the doctor I research for.

Anyway...good luck!

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

Hi, everyone:

Glad to hear that people are hanging in there (better than I am at least!) for the August MCAT. I unfortunately feel not too far off from how I felt last year at this time (right before I took the August 2003 MCAT and didnt' do too well). At this point, I can only hope that last-minute cramming + cafeine abuse might work! ;-))

I'm still on 2 waitlists, which I know has kept me from completely focusing on prep; plus, i'm still working f/t. But, I'm taking the several days off prior to the 14th. I've received a couple of secondaries, which I'll put in shortly....and am already preparing myself mentally for whether I'll consider doing all this again if things don't pan out.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for everyone!

BH

 

[nina512]

I love Albany Medical College 😍

According to them, it's been 5 years since I graduated, so they are willing to accept substitute letters for undergrad! Yeah!!!

I guess this proves that all schools are different...

 

[ma-bas]

One minor setback for me...

It seems that no matter how hard I try, my undergrad performance will always come back to haunt me. One school said they won't allow me to substitute grad school letters for ugrad letters. But since I didn't do that well in undergrad my letters from those profs wouldn't be that great.

It really breaks my confidence that after doing a bunch of cool things inf the past 4 years (research publications, getting a Master's and getting a 30 on the MCAT) I still won't be considered due to undergrad and a lack of LORs from ugrad. 🙁

I hope I still have a shot at other schools. Why does applying to medical school bring out our insecurities and magnify them?

Nina

Hi Nina,

I totally feel you. I have a masters degree, interesting experiences and good MCATs but I feel like my past undergrad sins will never be forgiven. Looking at my AMCAS is depressing, especially with the couple of repeats I had. This year I explained my difficulties better in my PS than I had last year and I hope that helps. AACOMAS is so much nicer. They average in your grad grades and any health scienc grades so my gpa looks acceptable.

I had success last year asking schools if I could substitute grad letters for undergrad letters or work letters for an academic one. Then I included a copy of the email in which the admissions personnel agreed to the substitution, just to be safe.

I hate Albany Medical College. They were my very first rejection last year, surprisingly. 😕 I got it a week after I submitted my secondary.

 

[nina512]

I'm sorry about Albany last year. I'm not sure I have a shot because based on their secondary, I get the feeling they really value volunteer experiences (which is where I'm weak). I guess the fact that one school says it's okay to substitue ugrad LORs gives me a little more hope

For those of you taking the MCAT, good luck!