Still finishing secondaries?

[maccu5000]

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I was verified late (late sept) and didn't pre-write secondaries. I completed 15 secondaries in Sept and Oct, but still have about 10 more to go as of Nov 8. Should I continue completing these secondaries? is there any benefit to not applying to those last 10 schools this year, other than saving $1,000?

Background
Non trad past bacc
>3 years clinical research w/ publications
1 year strict inpatient clinical full-time
lots of volunteer work in undergrad and full volunteer year post undergrad
~3.6 cGPA, >3.8 sGPA, >35MCAT multiple tries

As of today, no II's, but two rejections already (Brown, USC).
The list of schools to still apply to include half LizzyM's below mine, 2 LizzyM's right at mine, and 3 LizzyM's above (my cGPA is a little low, but I'm not sure how schools will really look at it as a post bac and 1 bad year of grades pulled it down).

 

[JPA178]

Don't do it. No offense, but I wouldn't have even advised you to submit your primary in August/September leading to a late Sept verification. Your numbers are good, but you applied way too late. Hang tight with the schools you've already applied to, hope that one of them comes through, and continue working/volunteering to beef up your app for next cycle. Pre-write your secondaries and submit your primary on day 1. Do that, and you've got a great shot at interviews/acceptances.

 

[Goro]

Some of the skills you need for med school are good judgement and good time mgt.

I was verified late (late sept) and didn't pre-write secondaries. I completed 15 secondaries in Sept and Oct, but still have about 10 more to go as of Nov 8. Should I continue completing these secondaries? is there any benefit to not applying to those last 10 schools this year, other than saving $1,000?

Background
Non trad past bacc
>3 years clinical research w/ publications
1 year strict inpatient clinical full-time
lots of volunteer work in undergrad and full volunteer year post undergrad
~3.6 cGPA, >3.8 sGPA, >35MCAT multiple tries

As of today, no II's, but two rejections already (Brown, USC).
The list of schools to still apply to include half LizzyM's below mine, 2 LizzyM's right at mine, and 3 LizzyM's above (my cGPA is a little low, but I'm not sure how schools will really look at it as a post bac and 1 bad year of grades pulled it down).

 

[maccu5000]

Thanks for the replies. What I'm trying to learn is this: if I don't get in, will I be disadvantaged applying to the same school next year? I'd prefer to just maximize my chances this year by applying to the schools I still have left to finish. Money isn't really an issue if it gives me a shot at getting in... another year of practice is worth >$100K.

 

[Boolean]

Thanks for the replies. What I'm trying to learn is this: if I don't get in, will I be disadvantaged applying to the same school next year? I'd prefer to just maximize my chances this year by applying to the schools I still have left to finish. Money isn't really an issue if it gives me a shot at getting in... another year of practice is worth >$100K.

Being a reapplicant is a flag at a number of schools. They will look for improvements you have made between this application cycle and the next.

 

[gyngyn]

Thanks for the replies. What I'm trying to learn is this: if I don't get in, will I be disadvantaged applying to the same school next year? I'd prefer to just maximize my chances this year by applying to the schools I still have left to finish. Money isn't really an issue if it gives me a shot at getting in... another year of practice is worth >$100K.

You would be at mine.

 

[pink/\floyd]

Whether you finish those secondaries or not, you will still be a reapplicant regardless. However, it is late in the cycle.. So save your $1000. Please apply day-1 next round and pre-write your secondaries. Also, now you have to add something to your application: a new EC or more shadowing hours or a new job anything! Whatever it takes to show it is not the same app. Also, re-write you PS in case you don't get in this year.
BTW, why the late app?

 

[Goro]

If you haven't figured it out yet, it's too late in the cycle.
Apply 6/1/15.

Thanks for the replies. What I'm trying to learn is this: if I don't get in, will I be disadvantaged applying to the same school next year? I'd prefer to just maximize my chances this year by applying to the schools I still have left to finish. Money isn't really an issue if it gives me a shot at getting in... another year of practice is worth >$100K.

 

[maccu5000]

[...]BTW, why the late app?

The late app was due to a LOR from a science prof that never arrived and having to scramble for another one.

Assuming I do have to apply again, can I use the same LOR's? it's a little tough getting these as a non-trad in an semi-established career.

Also, if I submitted primary but did not submit a secondary, would I still be considered a re-applicant?

 

[gyngyn]

Also, if I submitted primary but did not submit a secondary, would I still be considered a re-applicant?

Yes.

 

[maccu5000]

If I understand it correctly then, the only thing to lose by finishing out my secondaries is money (which is almost certain) and the time it takes to complete them.

 

[gyngyn]

If I understand it correctly then, the only thing to lose by finishing out my secondaries is money (which is almost certain) and the time it takes to complete them.

Yes, though a completed secondary will give the school a benchmark against which to compare you next year. No secondary means that next year's application is the first one they will see (even though you are a re-applicant).

 

[type12]

Yes, though a completed secondary will give the school a benchmark against which to compare you next year. No secondary means that next year's application is the first one they will see (even though you are a re-applicant).

To provide an example on what gyngyn is saying, here's what would happen:

School X sees your application, has one seat available. They compare it alongside guy from Harvard who has cured three different forms of cancer, adopted 20 third-world children and 3 homeless people, and completed 12 triathalons while solving P vs NP paradox. He sets your application in a dusty bin and never looks back.

You reapply, and School X sees your application, remembers it was someone they rejected, but for the life of them, they don't remember why. They are sure they had a good reason, so instead of doubting and reprocessing you from scratch, they just see if you've made any changes/updates since your last application. You can't make significant changes in 8 months, so they view this as you not really updating or improving yourself. They stick with their initial decision from last year.

Take it from someone who had a significant gap between undergrad and med school: the time when you are accepted and before school starts is simply awesome. You would be maximizing that time if you get all your ducks in a row for next year.

 

[maccu5000]

Thanks for all the great advice. Would it help if I formally "withdrew" my application from the schools to which I haven't submitted a secondary?

 

[pink/\floyd]

It will be an uphill battle with a lot of uncertainty, but I am sure with a 35 MCAT you will at least get one acceptance next year. BUT you have to improve your application in some shape or form. So build your ECs considerably this year, and again: apply day 1, get your LORs before June 1st and pre-write your secondaries and PS. Good luck and stay strong!