Reapplying after turning down MD acceptance

[electricalspray]

This cycle, I interviewed at eight medical schools and have received seven waitlists and one acceptance so far.

It has been an emotional rollercoaster, especially after interviewing at multiple T10 schools, only to end up on their waitlists. Throughout this process, I’ve realized that my interview performance may have been a significant weakness in my application. While I felt that some of my interviews went exceptionally well, the results suggest that this is an area I need to improve.

The school where I have been accepted was initially a safety school (T100). In the rush of finalizing my school list last summer, I applied because I felt its mission aligned with my interests. However, since receiving my acceptance and learning more about the program, I’ve started to have second thoughts about whether it’s the right fit for me. While there are many factors contributing to my hesitation, my main concerns are:

1. Limited research opportunities – The school is focused primarily on health sciences and is not a large academic center.
2. Geographic limitations – The school rarely matches students outside of the Midwest, but I hope to return to the West Coast after medical school to be closer to my family.
3. Specialty match rates – Seldomly match students into the specialties I am most interested in pursuing. (One student every couple of years)

Now, with only this one acceptance in hand, I feel torn. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend medical school, but I also worry that choosing this program might limit my future options. Because of this, I have been seriously considering reapplying.

That leads me to an important question: If I choose to reapply, would I be automatically blacklisted from MD programs? From reviewing my previous secondaries, it seems that most schools ask whether I have previously applied rather than whether I have had a previous acceptance.

I want to make the best decision for my future, but I also don’t want to take this acceptance for granted. I understand each cycle is different but that is a risk I’m willing to take. Given my success with interviews this cycle along with improvements to my application since last cycle I am hopeful about my chances, but mainly worried I may be blacklisted from all MD schools. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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[Mr.Smile12]

I think it's too early to feel that your fate is sealed. Having one offer is awesome. Being on 7 waitlists is mind-blowing. Trust the process. We haven't even begun the CYMS process. All things will be sorted out.

You applied to a safety school where we presume you would be happy to attend if everything panned out completely differently. Don't deviate from this strategy. There's no guarantee you'll also get cold feet at schools that are higher ranked; do your homework on them now if you have to.

 

[Goro]

Turning down one's only acceptance is the worst mistake a pre-med can make.

If you're a catch, and you apply next cycle, people might wonder what was wrong.

 

[C+P]

Hi! I am familiar with a situation like this. Feel free to DM if you want to talk.

 

[AJS59]

This cycle, I interviewed at eight medical schools and have received seven waitlists and one acceptance so far.

It has been an emotional rollercoaster, especially after interviewing at multiple T10 schools, only to end up on their waitlists. Throughout this process, I’ve realized that my interview performance may have been a significant weakness in my application. While I felt that some of my interviews went exceptionally well, the results suggest that this is an area I need to improve.

The school where I have been accepted was initially a safety school (T100). In the rush of finalizing my school list last summer, I applied because I felt its mission aligned with my interests. However, since receiving my acceptance and learning more about the program, I’ve started to have second thoughts about whether it’s the right fit for me. While there are many factors contributing to my hesitation, my main concerns are:

1. Limited research opportunities – The school is focused primarily on health sciences and is not a large academic center.
2. Geographic limitations – The school rarely matches students outside of the Midwest, but I hope to return to the West Coast after medical school to be closer to my family.
3. Specialty match rates – Seldomly match students into the specialties I am most interested in pursuing. (One student every couple of years)

Now, with only this one acceptance in hand, I feel torn. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend medical school, but I also worry that choosing this program might limit my future options. Because of this, I have been seriously considering reapplying.

That leads me to an important question: If I choose to reapply, would I be automatically blacklisted from MD programs? From reviewing my previous secondaries, it seems that most schools ask whether I have previously applied rather than whether I have had a previous acceptance.

I want to make the best decision for my future, but I also don’t want to take this acceptance for granted. I understand each cycle is different but that is a risk I’m willing to take. Given my success with interviews this cycle along with improvements to my application since last cycle I am hopeful about my chances, but mainly worried I may be blacklisted from all MD schools. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Automatic blacklist, no. That might be if you matriculated and then later. But reapplication is a lot of investment of time, money, and emotional labor all for something that might not pan out.

My 2 cents: It's better to take an opportunity to start into this career now rather than turn it down. Remember that the cycles are only continuing to get more difficult and if you turn down your only offer in hand now, you may not get another chance.

Imo the only real worthwhile reasons for turning down a USMD acceptance are accreditation issues (looking at Cal Northstate) or personal issues where you really need to live in 1 given area to say live with a loved one with a terminal illness you are helping to care for. The reasons you cited: Limited research, Geographic Limitations, and Specialty match rate are all reasons that you can overcome if you put in sufficiently hard work — yes, the road is harder and you may need to take a research year to make yourself competitive for some specialties. But if you do that, and you also do away rotations at west coast institutions, you should generally have a fair shake at those specialties. It's not guaranteed of course, but that's also true of those T10 students as well.

That being said, wait for the cycle to shake out. 7 waitlists is a lot, you may get your chance yet.

 

[watchMedoiit]

This cycle, I interviewed at eight medical schools and have received seven waitlists and one acceptance so far.

It has been an emotional rollercoaster, especially after interviewing at multiple T10 schools, only to end up on their waitlists. Throughout this process, I’ve realized that my interview performance may have been a significant weakness in my application. While I felt that some of my interviews went exceptionally well, the results suggest that this is an area I need to improve.

The school where I have been accepted was initially a safety school (T100). In the rush of finalizing my school list last summer, I applied because I felt its mission aligned with my interests. However, since receiving my acceptance and learning more about the program, I’ve started to have second thoughts about whether it’s the right fit for me. While there are many factors contributing to my hesitation, my main concerns are:

1. Limited research opportunities – The school is focused primarily on health sciences and is not a large academic center.
2. Geographic limitations – The school rarely matches students outside of the Midwest, but I hope to return to the West Coast after medical school to be closer to my family.
3. Specialty match rates – Seldomly match students into the specialties I am most interested in pursuing. (One student every couple of years)

Now, with only this one acceptance in hand, I feel torn. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend medical school, but I also worry that choosing this program might limit my future options. Because of this, I have been seriously considering reapplying.

That leads me to an important question: If I choose to reapply, would I be automatically blacklisted from MD programs? From reviewing my previous secondaries, it seems that most schools ask whether I have previously applied rather than whether I have had a previous acceptance.

I want to make the best decision for my future, but I also don’t want to take this acceptance for granted. I understand each cycle is different but that is a risk I’m willing to take. Given my success with interviews this cycle along with improvements to my application since last cycle I am hopeful about my chances, but mainly worried I may be blacklisted from all MD schools. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi curious to know what you did, I am in a similar situation and not sure what to do.