Should I go or withdraw; Albany Medical College Class of 2014

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reyhenry

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hey everyone, I've been a viewer on SDN for a long time but this is my first post.


I applied late in the 2009-2010 cycle (submitted primary October 5th).

My stats now are 3.43 sGPA, 3.52 cGPA at UCLA, MCAT: 13 PS, 12 BS, 11 V, S essay
When I applied my sGPA was 3.32.

I was accepted at USUHS and Albany Medical College, and placed on hold for Interviews at UCSD and Drexel (then rejected.)

I have significant ECs: work as an Emergency Trauma Technician at the UCLA ER for 2 two years, was a fraternity president for a year, worked as surgical technician in a rural mission clinic in India for 8 months, volunteered at Stanford Medical Center for 6 months, worked for the University of California Police Department for two years, and have taught as a physical science instructor for the Berkeley Review MCAT prep course for 1 year now.

My question is, since I applied 4 months late, how much of a disadvantage was I at? I would have liked to have had a fair shot at a UC (since I applied so late, I missed the UC Davis deadline.) I would like to stay in California since my family (I have a 5 year old sister) and fiance both live here (she is unable to move for another year.)

I know reapplying with an acceptance/withdrawal is taboo, but I also would like to apply on a level field this time.

What do you guys think? Stick it out, or try again
 
i would NOT reapply. It has nothing to do with being "taboo." Reapplying after making it to a school WILL put you at a disadvantage in the upcoming cycle. Your GPA is not really competitive for cali schools anyways. :luck:
 
Late or not with your stats you did very well.

DO NOT LET GO OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE AND TRY TO RE-APPLY!
 
thats what I've heard from others as well. Is it just because it'll seem like im not motivated enough to adcoms?

If I were to reapply and get interviews, would that mean that they are willing to at least hear me out? Is there a list of accepted students that is circulated? How will other schools know?

but yeah im leaning towards going to AMC.
 
Dude, you could play this "what if" game, or just get over it, be really thankful that you got in somewhere, and move on. With a 3.7OA/3.4BCPM and a 31Q (and good E.C.s and LORs) I submitted my AMCAS in September and many of my secondaries in November and December. I know for a fact (both deans told me) that I would have been accepted at my top 2 choice schools had I applied earlier in the cycle. Boo-hoo. So many people with my (and your) stats don't get in anywhere, no matter how early and to how many schools they apply. I feel very lucky to be going to med school and refuse to feel sad about the fact that I didn't apply early, because I may very well have ended up waiting a year due to my circumstances last summer. Just be happy and go.
 
thats good advice. I guess I don't have to tell you what its like for life to not go as planned
 
Don't want to pile on but here's my 2 cents:

Applying that late DID put you at a disadvantage. But there's no undoing it, because if you apply next year, even early, you are going to be putting yourself at another, arguably larger, disadvantage. You will not be on a "level playing field." Schools will know; many (most?) directly ask on their secondary if you have applied/been accepted to a US medical school in the past, and remember that all of this AMCAS stuff is electronic and available to the schools to which you apply. You might think that you would be able to explain it away by talking about your personal reasons for staying in cali, but then the inevitable question is: Well if you weren't going to go to usuhs or amc, why did you apply?

All of that said, it is technically POSSIBLE that it could all work out for you if you apply for a second round (which is probably what is tempting you). I think what we are saying is that there is a good chance that you will be making a decision that you will really regret.

It sucks that you will have to be separated from your family for a time when you don't want to be, but AMC is a great school. Hopefully your fiancee will join you in a year and then you can move back to cali for residency. Good luck
 
I agree with what's already been said.

You may reapply and get in to the Cali schools, but it's EXTREMELY doubtful. Remember that medical school is generally a crapshoot, so even if your GPA was more competitive I would still advise against it.

Combine that with the fact that AMC will probably not accept you again after you turned them down. Other schools often ask if you've been accepted before on their secondaries, and the fact that you were and turned them down will make you look like a flake. And you don't want to look like a flake to the adcom.
 
Unless you absolutely hate AMC and just couldn't imagine yourself living there for 4 years and paying the money to go there, you basically have to take that acceptance.

There are people who were in your situation and did the opposite (sometimes with good results), but the likelihood of that happening are even slimmer now even when applying early. Yes, your GPA got slightly better, but it's still well below the matriculant average of 3.6 among all US allopathic medical schools. You're already at the bottom of the pile given your GPA, and the fact that you withdrew an acceptance means you'll be at even more of a disadvantage.

I'd echo what other people said. Play it safe and stick with what you got.

This post emphasizes the need for everyone to apply early and to only schools that you would be happy attending if you didn't get in anywhere else. If you absolutely didn't want AMC, you should have withdrawn post-interview.
 
Goto AMC... its only 1 year right? And even if its not, I hear UC schools are rediculously competitive. You would already have 3 strikes against you reapplying next year - not an even playing field. 1) low gpa 2) reapplicant 3) reapplicant that was accepted to a medical school.
 
doxycycline said:
Goto AMC... its only 1 year right? And even if its not, I hear UC schools are rediculously competitive. You would already have 3 strikes against you reapplying next year - not an even playing field. 1) low gpa 2) reapplicant 3) reapplicant that was accepted to a medical school.
Click to expand...

Uhhh....1 year? Med school is 4 years.
 
Go.

Don't be foolish. Consider yourself lucky you got in anywhere with those stats. Your shot at a CA school even with an early app is nil.

Also - when would you apply for this next cycle? If not already, you are late NOW considering it would take you a couple of weeks to get a new app done and in...
 
While it is better to just go ahead and go to Albany, if you reallly despise this school, then maybe you could try reapplying. But it is a HUGE risk, so it is up to u if you are willing to do it.

I think your numbers are good enough for Cali schools (with pretty good ec's), your gpa is low, but compensated by the high mcat score and decent undergrad.

Again only you can make this decision. it is possible that you may get into a cali school, but it is also possible you won't get in anywhere next year. Is the risk worth it? You can decide that...

AMC is not a bad school, and while with your numbers I can see why you would want a different school, just go with where you get in.
 
flip26 said:
Go.

Don't be foolish. Consider yourself lucky you got in anywhere with those stats. Your shot at a CA school even with an early app is nil.

Also - when would you apply for this next cycle? If not already, you are late NOW considering it would take you a couple of weeks to get a new app done and in...
Click to expand...

I don't get why people keep saying this?? Is GPA is a bit low, but his MCAT is a 36?? That's a very good score. I know of a couple of applicants, who have gotten into cali schools with similar numbers (including one at UCLA). And I don't think he is "lucky"....his numbers are more than enough to get him into a MD school.

To the OP, did you apply to only 4 schools?? I'm shocked this was your only interview. I had similar gpa and lower mcat score, but more interviews....
 
alibai3ah said:
And I don't think he is "lucky"....his numbers are more than enough to get him into a MD school.
Click to expand...

You need decent numbers AND luck to get into MD school. Generally a higher MCAT/GPA means better luck though.
 
reyhenry said:
My question is, since I applied 4 months late, how much of a disadvantage was I at? I would have liked to have had a fair shot at a UC (since I applied so late, I missed the UC Davis deadline.) I would like to stay in California since my family (I have a 5 year old sister) and fiance both live here (she is unable to move for another year.)
Click to expand...

Please withdraw and apply to culinary schools.Your logic or lack there of, has sent my systolic BP through the roof. We certainly don't need a doctor with that type of a mind set. There are thousands of students rejected every year with far better stats than yours. Please withdraw so that a more deserving person can take that seat.
 
My schools are very different, but I'm in the same boat. I have an acceptance at OHSU, but applied to TX schools because my husband lives here and is stationed in the Army here. I didn't get in to any TX schools because I was OOS at the time and called the Admissions committee at both schools and they said I pretty much didn't get in because I was OOS. Portland-OHSU is really not the place for my husband and I considering he can't move for 4 years and there's not Army base that close. I talked to the Dean and asked about reapplying after declining an acceptance and she said as long as it's not an IS acceptance that my reasons for reapplying-money, family, husband, being able to stay in TX longer for my career, are not silly or stupid and won't count against me. She actually said it happens all the time and they see it quite frequently. Maybe it's just a TX thing because tuition is like 1/4 the price of others. I know I'm taking a big risk by declining at a good school, but I also didn't like the school at all either. I want to be a doctor and am passionate about it, and think that if my family/husband is supporting me and able to be there for me, than it makes me likely to succeed and be able to really invest myself in my career.
 
LD1234Him said:
My schools are very different, but I'm in the same boat. I have an acceptance at OHSU, but applied to TX schools because my husband lives here and is stationed in the Army here. I didn't get in to any TX schools because I was OOS at the time and called the Admissions committee at both schools and they said I pretty much didn't get in because I was OOS. Portland-OHSU is really not the place for my husband and I considering he can't move for 4 years and there's not Army base that close. I talked to the Dean and asked about reapplying after declining an acceptance and she said as long as it's not an IS acceptance that my reasons for reapplying-money, family, husband, being able to stay in TX longer for my career, are not silly or stupid and won't count against me. She actually said it happens all the time and they see it quite frequently. Maybe it's just a TX thing because tuition is like 1/4 the price of others. I know I'm taking a big risk by declining at a good school, but I also didn't like the school at all either. I want to be a doctor and am passionate about it, and think that if my family/husband is supporting me and able to be there for me, than it makes me likely to succeed and be able to really invest myself in my career.
Click to expand...

Then why did you apply to OHSU or any school that would force a long distance separation from your hubby?

Your situation is tough and totally different from the OP. I say drop the acceptance and reapply to TX schools, but only if you will be considered instate. Otherwise, I don't know what to tell you...maybe wait until your husband is out of the military? Begs the question: is he in it for a career? And if so, aren't you going to always have this chance of separation?
 
LD1234Him said:
My schools are very different, but I'm in the same boat. I have an acceptance at OHSU, but applied to TX schools because my husband lives here and is stationed in the Army here. I didn't get in to any TX schools because I was OOS at the time and called the Admissions committee at both schools and they said I pretty much didn't get in because I was OOS. Portland-OHSU is really not the place for my husband and I considering he can't move for 4 years and there's not Army base that close. I talked to the Dean and asked about reapplying after declining an acceptance and she said as long as it's not an IS acceptance that my reasons for reapplying-money, family, husband, being able to stay in TX longer for my career, are not silly or stupid and won't count against me. She actually said it happens all the time and they see it quite frequently. Maybe it's just a TX thing because tuition is like 1/4 the price of others. I know I'm taking a big risk by declining at a good school, but I also didn't like the school at all either. I want to be a doctor and am passionate about it, and think that if my family/husband is supporting me and able to be there for me, than it makes me likely to succeed and be able to really invest myself in my career.
Click to expand...

I'd say you'd be OK re-applying.

This conflict does bring up a very good point, which may be of benefit to this current cycle's candidates. For one, everyone needs back-up schools in their application portfolio. But. PLEASE. ONLY select schools you would actually go to (based off of personal desires, opportunities, location, etc.). Otherwise, you place yourself in these situations where you end up having to choose between someplace you don't want to be and re-applying. The easier solution would have been to never have applied to OHSU and be sitting on 0 acceptances right now. Then, no one would question your reasons for re-applying.
 
Okay. Thanks, at first I really thought I was crazy. I will/am IS for TX now and the reason I applied to OHSU was because I was IS there last year. My husband had a chance of getting to Portland, but that changed throughout the admissions cycle. I also thought I would like the school more than I did on interview day. Also, he's already been promised/committed to staying at Ft. Hood TX for the next 4 and maybe even 6 years, so well be here for a while. Even if he does career, he has the option of staying at Ft. Hood because it's such a large base and we have connections. But as for the original poster, 1 year long distance isn't bad. My hubby is in Iraq right now and we've been long distance for over 2 and a half years. Good luck!
 
Ali, I actually applied to 35, this is why I wonder how bad I was hurt with my late application.

In regards to applying again, I submitted the primary June 1st and I am getting secondaries back in case I withdraw from AMC....
 
alibai3ah said:
I don't get why people keep saying this?? Is GPA is a bit low, but his MCAT is a 36?? That's a very good score. I know of a couple of applicants, who have gotten into cali schools with similar numbers (including one at UCLA). And I don't think he is "lucky"....his numbers are more than enough to get him into a MD school.
Click to expand...

no. don't listen to this. I know alibai3ah means well, but seriously consider whether its worth the risk of not getting in anywhere.....
 
reyhenry said:
Ali, I actually applied to 35, this is why I wonder how bad I was hurt with my late application.

In regards to applying again, I submitted the primary June 1st and I am getting secondaries back in case I withdraw from AMC....
Click to expand...

Your late app hurt you, no doubt about it. But if you had applied early, instead of only getting into AMC, you may have gotten into one, maybe two other schools - and none of them would have been in CA. You would be deciding between AMC, and say, Jefferson, or maybe SLU. Do you really want to go through another cycle, knowing that AMC won't accept you again, to have a choice a year from now between at most 2 other low or unranked schools no better than AMC? Or maybe you get in nowhere at all? Have you really considered that possibility?

Thus I still say you were/are lucky (is the word "fortunate" more tolerable?) to get in anywhere with that GPA. That poster "Ali" is feeding you some really bad BS advice - you are not competitive in CA. To turn down your one acceptance to give the CA schools another try is frankly crazy.

We don't know enough about the rest of your app to offer much more than conjecture based on GPA and timing of apps. We don't know the quality of your ECs, or of your LORs, etc. But ALL of these things feed into your chances, and going "1 for 35" this past cycle indicates that you have more problems than a late app and mediocre grades going on. Again, take your acceptance and never look back...
 
flip26 said:
Your late app hurt you, no doubt about it. But if you had applied early, instead of only getting into AMC, you may have gotten into one, maybe two other schools - and none of them would have been in CA. You would be deciding between AMC, and say, Jefferson, or maybe SLU. Do you really want to go through another cycle, knowing that AMC won't accept you again, to have a choice a year from now between at most 2 other low or unranked schools no better than AMC? Or maybe you get in nowhere at all? Have you really considered that possibility?

Thus I still say you were/are lucky (is the word "fortunate" more tolerable?) to get in anywhere with that GPA. That poster "Ali" is feeding you some really bad BS advice - you are not competitive in CA. To turn down your one acceptance to give the CA schools another try is frankly crazy.

We don't know enough about the rest of your app to offer much more than conjecture based on GPA and timing of apps. We don't know the quality of your ECs, or of your LORs, etc. But ALL of these things feed into your chances, and going "1 for 35" this past cycle indicates that you have more problems than a late app and mediocre grades going on. Again, take your acceptance and never look back...
Click to expand...

I agree with this.

And there's no shame in going to AMC. It's a fine college and as long as you do well on your boards then you should have no trouble matching. I know the location isn't ideal for you, but it doesn't look likely that you'll be in California even if you reapply and get in somewhere else.

Plus there are positives for AMC. It's an inexpensive area to live in. And as far as NY goes, it's warmer than most of the state and gets less snow*. Just recently it was ranked in Forbes's top ten places to raise a family. (http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/04/best-places-family-lifestyle-real-estate-cities-kids.html) And even if you live outside of Albany, your commute is going to be almost nothing. I lived in the area for a while about 30 miles away from AMC, and it took me precisely 30 minutes to get to AMC even at "rush hour". There are things to do too, but you have to look for them.

*By most of the state I mean central/western/Adirondacks. The NYC area tends to be warmer and get much less snow.
 
flip26 said:
Your late app hurt you, no doubt about it. But if you had applied early, instead of only getting into AMC, you may have gotten into one, maybe two other schools - and none of them would have been in CA. You would be deciding between AMC, and say, Jefferson, or maybe SLU. Do you really want to go through another cycle, knowing that AMC won't accept you again, to have a choice a year from now between at most 2 other low or unranked schools no better than AMC? Or maybe you get in nowhere at all? Have you really considered that possibility?

Thus I still say you were/are lucky (is the word "fortunate" more tolerable?) to get in anywhere with that GPA. That poster "Ali" is feeding you some really bad BS advice - you are not competitive in CA. To turn down your one acceptance to give the CA schools another try is frankly crazy.


We don't know enough about the rest of your app to offer much more than conjecture based on GPA and timing of apps. We don't know the quality of your ECs, or of your LORs, etc. But ALL of these things feed into your chances, and going "1 for 35" this past cycle indicates that you have more problems than a late app and mediocre grades going on. Again, take your acceptance and never look back...
Click to expand...


I'm not saying that he is competitive for CA. I'm saying he had a shot. I hope my post didn't offend you. I just was surprised that earlier you said that the OP should be very happy getting at least one MD accceptance, b/c I think his numbers are fine for at least one MD school.

Now the fact that he applied to 35 makes me think there were other issues. There was the late app, but even then, I'm surprised that he didn't get more interviews. Cali schools are the most difficult to get into. Not necessarily numbers-wise, but b/c each one wants different things and they are VERY specific about what they want. I know lots of high stat people who have failed to get into Cali schools, but i know some people with average numbers who have gotten into multiple. I'm not lying, this is a fact.

Again to the OP, I am in NO WAY suggesting you give up Albany. I think you should go for it. But if you really really HATE this place and would be unhappy, then maybe you can. But again I'm not recommending this, and in your situation I WOULD easily go to Albany. It's a huge risk to reapply....

I hope I cleared things up a bit. I'm not feeding anyone BS, this has just been my experience during the cycle and from other stories from friends.
 
You are crazy to give up an acceptance for a chance at a UC school. I have friends that had way better grades and MCATs than you this cycle and didn't get in anywhere ... you would be incredibly foolish to give up a spot......
 
I'm guessing my lack of interviews has to do with the tier of schools I applied to. Using that lame mcat + GPA*10 formula, I figured I would applied top tier with a few lower, such as AMC. Either way, I'm going to AMC now. It's only 4 years right?

Thanks for the advice everybody
 
reyhenry said:
I'm guessing my lack of interviews has to do with the tier of schools I applied to. Using that lame mcat + GPA*10 formula, I figured I would applied top tier with a few lower, such as AMC. Either way, I'm going to AMC now. It's only 4 years right?

Thanks for the advice everybody
Click to expand...
yep only 4 years and you can always come back to cali or any other location for residency or at least have more options then just the UC med schools.
 
You will undoubtedly be frowned upon come the first time of reapplying when you have an acceptance under your belt, and schools will know about this one way or another. Hard fact - one of my friend's friend is from Cali, had applied to East and West Coast schools a few years back, had one acceptance that wasn't in Cali but she wanted to stay in Cali. Decided to reapply, 2 more times later and to this day she is still not in med school. Your outcome might be the same as hers, or it might be different. But ask yourself, would you be willing to risk your lifelong goal of becoming a doctor? I know I wouldn't.

Take your acceptance and RUN!!! Don't look back, don't contemplate - just PASS GO and collect your $200.

Cheers.
 
If you don't think you will be happy at Albany then I would say give it another shot. You only live once so don't spend the next 4 years feeling miserable.
 
I was just wondering if any of you guys including the op have thought about the cost of AMC. I mean to pay $72,000/yr for a school you dont even care for, as it seems, really sucks. Coming out with $300,000 in debt plus interest, you should give SERIOUS thought to this commitment, that is not cheap change.
 
If you want to br an MD, go AMC.

If you want to gamble and maybe be a lab tech at 30k per year versus an MD at 5-20 x that in salary, then roll the dice on another round plus one year loss of earning potential.

Do the math!
 
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