What would be advantages to withdrawing applications at this stage of the admissions process, particularly if I plan on re-applying next year(with an improved MCAT)?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Should I withdraw applications?
- Thread starter MS2MD
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Have you already sent in secondaries? If so...you've already put away a lot of money so you might as well wait for possible interview invites and follow through 😀. If you haven't sent out secondaries, the advantage is that you would save a nice sum of cash, and quite a bit of time filling out those darned essays. Good luck on your decision!
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I have a similar situation. I turned in my AMCAS in early Sept. Received MCAT's...not so good. I know I can do better. This is my first time applying.
I've had most people tell me to go for it, but here's what I know from sources:
-Pre-med advisor at Northwestern says she thinks I should withdraw and apply when I'm "strongest," which means earlier in the cycle (ie, June/July) and with higher MCAT's since she thinks I can do better.
-Admissions director at East Tenn. State U says that he knows of no disadvantage to continuing the app. process as opposed to withdrawing. In other words, one shouldn't be viewed differently the next app. year if they choose to withdraw as opposed to if they apply fully to ins-state schools and are formally rejected. You're a re-applicant either way.
If you do withdraw, I would write a formal letter to all schools you withdraw from saying something about, "still desire strongly to be a physician, but are withdrawing for personal reasons...and you are interested in their school and will apply again next cycle." I say, go for reasonable in-state schools! That's what I think I'm doing.
I've had most people tell me to go for it, but here's what I know from sources:
-Pre-med advisor at Northwestern says she thinks I should withdraw and apply when I'm "strongest," which means earlier in the cycle (ie, June/July) and with higher MCAT's since she thinks I can do better.
-Admissions director at East Tenn. State U says that he knows of no disadvantage to continuing the app. process as opposed to withdrawing. In other words, one shouldn't be viewed differently the next app. year if they choose to withdraw as opposed to if they apply fully to ins-state schools and are formally rejected. You're a re-applicant either way.
If you do withdraw, I would write a formal letter to all schools you withdraw from saying something about, "still desire strongly to be a physician, but are withdrawing for personal reasons...and you are interested in their school and will apply again next cycle." I say, go for reasonable in-state schools! That's what I think I'm doing.
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MS2MD said:
To echo the second poster, you'll be saving a grand or two if you haven't submitted secondaries yet and depending on how many schools you applied to. Another thing, you won't be wasting time waiting for the current application process to pan out (i.e. waiting for secondary apps, interviews, rejection letters, etc.), and you can spend time improving your next application.
If you're absolutely certain that you'll be retaking the MCAT again and/or reapplying, it would be to your advantage to withdraw your apps now. You will be considered a reapplicant either way. I was in your situation before and withdrew at the primary app stage. I think it helped me stay focused on submitting a strong application the next time around. Good luck
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