Third time applicant(non-trad) with a lot of experiences VS. Traditional applicant with higher stats

[Dilemma33]

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Hello guys,

As the title states, if the ADCOMs were to evaluate both applicants, which one would they prefer?

To give a bit more context, let's say that this third time applicant has a 3.6 GPA with 515 MCAT and a lot of experiences in the medical field (2000+ hours). On the other hand, this traditional applicant (senior in UG) has a 3.90+ GPA with 523+ MCAT but less than 200 hours in the medical field.

I know this question is very hypothetical, but do you guys think that the admissions would put more value into re-applicants with a lot more experiences than the traditional students? or would they favor "fresh" traditional applicants over re-applicants that they've already evaluated for the last 2 application cycles?

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[boogiecousins94]

I think when comparing they would ask why you've applied 3 times- if you're comparing first time applicants I would think the nontrad but why are they applying for the 3rd time? Whats the difference from the first or second times appplying?? I think it ultimately depends on how spaced out these reapps are (I hope not back to back to back) and how much more you've accomplished each time around.

 

[Dilemma33]

I think the question, the idea, the concept is over simplified at best and, in reality, very rarely, if at all ever happens.

1) each application is independently fully evaluated and is scored/classified based on all aspects, with different weightings depending on the school.
2) In addition to the academic metrics (which are not done on a single GPA number), ECs, clinical, leadership, etc are fully examined.
3) all these factors lead to the applicant's "priority" classification, for interview invite or rejection (80% of applications at any individual school get rejected pre-II)
4) after interview, another scoring/classification must be done, again, varying by each school
5) Adcom then votes on acceptance or not
6) then order of offering seat then to wait list.

So, a 3.6/515 and a 3.9/523 on this very superficial analysis, would seem to be academically qualified for medical school. But that doesnt make a good doctor.
Does the 3.9/523 have much else or is a one-trick pony? Are they research heavy but are applying to service oriented or lower end schools
Why did the 3.6/515 not get in either cycle? bad school list? weak writing? missing requirements? what is the story?

The answer to this question is that their is no answer to the question nor does the question itself make any sense. Instead of worrying about artificial hypothetical better to analyze your own application. What have you done to improve? are you applying 3 cycles in a row? what is your weakness?

Thank you so much for the reply. I'm very aware that the question is over simplified.
I'm actually the one who's going to be applying for the third time. I had a bad school list when I applied for the first time, although I received 2 interviews and ended up getting rejected.
When I applied this cycle, I improved my application with better MCAT scores, published a paper, and worked more hours in the clinic. I attended 5 interviews this time, but I ended up getting rejected by 3 schools, and waitlisted by the other 2. So, it seems like my interview is most likely causing this disaster, but I also think that I got unlucky. (I'm not a psycho, and I'm pretty social when it comes to interacting with others). I've called and asked schools what I could do to improve my chances for the next cycle and they all told me that there's not much improvement I can make because my application is strong. They all mentioned that other applicants were just more competitive, which wasn't a helpful advice for me. <-- do you have any idea what they mean when they say this and what kind of action I need to take?

But yeah. I asked this hypothetical question because I've accumulated a lot of hours and experience in the medical field, but my stats aren't as high as "fresh" first time applicants.
I'm honestly very devastated by this process and it really took a toll in my life. However, I really don't want to give up on my dream, so I'm gonna keep working hard for it.

I would appreciate your opinion again, gonnif. Thank you.

 

[Goro]

Work on your Interview skills and have a good list. Include DO schools.

EDIT: most people are poor judges of their interview skills.

EDIT2: Admissions is not a zero sum game.