reapplication?

[a382600]

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hello, i applied for the 2025-2026 cycle for mostly MSTPs, some MDs and received 7 interviews--waitlisted at a T5 MSTP, a mid-tier MD and ultimately received 2 As from mid-low tier MDs with limited research opportunities. currently pretty crushed about cycle results and would be really grateful for any advice on whether to reapply since my goal is still academic medicine.

Background/Stats:
applied incredibly late (october-december)...
5+ years out of undergrad, took extra research years to prep for MSTP application
T10 undergrad very low GPA 3.4, T10 grad GPA 3.8, MCAT 512

ECs:
research: ~12,000 hours at a pretty well-known lab (10 pubs, 2 second authors, currently preparing a first author manuscript)
shadowing: ~400 hours
nonclinical volunteering: ~1000 hours
clinical volunteering: ~400 hours
paid clinical: ~2000 hours
leadership: ~500 hours
teaching/advocacy: ~400 hours

according to premed advisors and med students, i have strong essays. i think my stats and the timing were really the issues. i'm really torn because i am pretty old and if i reapply i probably have to retake the MCAT and apply 2027-2028 cycle...

 

[Med Ed]

How old is “pretty old?”

 

[Med Ed]

Also, the goal of "academic medicine" is quite vague. Do you want to be a traditional physician-scientist with R01s and an 80/20 time split? Or a faculty member who practices clinically and occasionally participates in research/education?

 

[dsfda]

having to take the mcat again alone is a big deterrent and having to explain to med schools why you rejected a previous acceptance is a red flag, you wouldn't be able to apply to the schools you were accepted to and you'd delay entry into med school by 2 years minimum, idk if that is even worth it; you'd have to ensure you have at least a 5-10 point score increase

 

[Mr.Smile12]

OP: Even with your late submission, you crushed the process with 7 interviews and 2 offers. There is no guarantee you will do better. Take the offer. There will always be an on-ramp to academic medicine, trust us.