Medical Reapplication Timeline

[Catalystik]

Long time lurker in need of advice.

Questions about reapplying immediately after the 2018-2019 cycle. Currently, 1 WL (unranked and was WL on 10/31) IS, sent LOI/Updates/maintained contact throughout the cycle. The weak point is definitely my MCAT.
1) Is it true you have to rewrite your entire Primary when reapplying to same schools? To what extent do people mean this and can someone explain?
2) Already have an MCAT score and transcripts to be verified, is an August MCAT too late to retake?

3) Any other tips on what people knew when reapplying immediately after a former cycle? Thank you!

Hi and Welcome to SDN:

1) There is no obligation to rewrite your essays, though you do have to enter them into a new application form. But if the essays didn't result in an acceptance the first time around, why expect a different result on the second application cycle? I recommend that you edit/rearrange them to make them fresh, particularly the Primary Statement, with different vocabulary and anecdotes, since schools may compare the two. Have new readers go over it with you to be sure your thoughts are clearly and succinctly stated, without excessive hyperbole.

2) Yes. Your score won't return until September, which is "late," when far fewer interview slots remain to be offered. Schools have no obligation to wait until the second score comes back before making a decision on your file.

3) Schools will expect significant improvements in youre ECs since you applied the first time. Hopefully you continued to beef up your experiences during the months of the current application cycle.