third time applicant stuff?

[Food]

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Hey guys...do applications from third time applicants only get screened out at the higher tier schools? If I have to re-apply again, I would be doing some kind of an SMP, and I'm not sure if I'd be in a great position since I'd be a third time applicant, even if I do really well in it.

 

[redsquareblack]

Hey guys...do applications from third time applicants only get screened out at the higher tier schools? If I have to re-apply again, I would be doing some kind of an SMP, and I'm not sure if I'd be in a great position since I'd be a third time applicant, even if I do really well in it.

I've still not been able to find any reliable information that indicates third-time applicants are actually screened out of any school a priori. Sure, some schools say you may only apply three times to that school, but not that you may only apply three times to any school.

But I admit that I don't know. I'd be interested if anyone has any hard data on this.

 

[Looking Glass]

Hey guys...do applications from third time applicants only get screened out at the higher tier schools? If I have to re-apply again, I would be doing some kind of an SMP, and I'm not sure if I'd be in a great position since I'd be a third time applicant, even if I do really well in it.

I don't think 3rd time applicants get screened out at top tier schools, I think they get rejected because their application just wasn't strong enough to begin with (low GPA). If you've been rejected twice already, why not focus on getting into a lower tier schools instead of trying to get into a higher tiered or top 20 school?

 

[Food]

I don't think 3rd time applicants get screened out at top tier schools, I think they get rejected because their application just wasn't strong enough to begin with (low GPA). If you've been rejected twice already, why not focus on getting into a lower tier schools instead of trying to get into a higher tiered or top 20 school?

I'd be happy to get into any school, honestly. I was just using the screening out at top 20 as an example..of third time apps being weak to begin with.If anybody has applied 3 times, I'd love to hear from them.

I've got high MCAT 36+, and a low GPA ~3.3ish and a 2nd time app with more clinical experience isn't really working out for me, so I'm thinking SMP and third time app? But I don't want to be sitting here in 2011 with very few interviews, and have people tell me it's because I was a third time applicant...

 

[swamprat]

I'd be happy to get into any school, honestly. I was just using the screening out at top 20 as an example..of third time apps being weak to begin with.If anybody has applied 3 times, I'd love to hear from them.

I've got high MCAT 36+, and a low GPA ~3.3ish and a 2nd time app with more clinical experience isn't really working out for me, so I'm thinking SMP and third time app? But I don't want to be sitting here in 2011 with very few interviews, and have people tell me it's because I was a third time applicant...

Why don't you add some DO schools next cycle?

 

[Depakote]

If you're in your 3rd round, something obviously isn't working.

I would change up the schools you're applying to, consider adding DO schools if you haven't previously.

Schools you applied to 2x with no interviews, there's probably a pattern here.

Look at other places... state schools that accept high percentage of OOS students and private schools. Basically, crack open the MSAR and see where you look competitive.

A new school hasn't seen you before, it's a fresh start to them.

Then honestly evaluate your previous application cycles, figure out why you didn't get in to the old schools. If you're marginal or above stats, and you applied enough places, it probably wasn't just your grades/scores.

That means you need to reevaluate your essays, how you're talking about yourself in interviews and so forth. Attitude adjustment can be the key here.

 

[Food]

Why don't you add some DO schools next cycle?

yeah, I probably would

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I applied multiple times, too, man. If you need some DO info, check out my sig. Hang in there.

 

[redsquareblack]

Also, it's worth noting that I'm a third-time applicant, too. I started with awful undergraduate grades, and a very good (but unbalanced) MCAT. I entered the MAMS program at Boston University in 2008, and finished it in 2009, and now I'm holding an acceptance there.

Unfortunately, that's about the only school from whom I've received such positive attention, which goes to show that a graduate program can certainly help, but definitely won't work miracles.

Good luck to you. I agree with the other advice: Next time around, broaden your application, perhaps include some DO schools. If you do the SMP, and do it well, at the very least you may be able to open doors at that particular school.

Good luck!

 

[searun]

A buddy of mine was a three time applicant when he was finally accepted to USC. He was focused, did well in med school, and now is a resident in ortho surgery. He could never break 30 on the MCAT but his persistance paid off.