UMd vs. Reapplying

[MtsByondMts]

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I was really disappointed in my score on the August MCAT (28) as I graduated summa cum laude from an Ivy as a double major, unique ECs, etc. etc. etc.. I really had my hopes set on going to one of the top med schools, but so far I've only gotten into my state school (UMd). Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I know UMd is a great school, but I really wanted to go to med school somewhere new and exciting. Would it be absolutely ridiculous to turn down UMd, take the MCAT again, and reapply next year? Can a 30+ MCAT make that much of a difference to the really competitive schools? I honestly don't see how I can improve my application (I'd rather not discuss the specifics of my ECs or other qualifications). The only thing that might help is that I'm the first author on a paper that will in all likelihood be published in the upcoming year. Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Neuronix]

Troll. In the case that you're not, go to UMD, and stop being an idiot.

 

[markus21]

I once knew a guy who graduated out of Stanford... one of top graduates out of Stanford in fact.... Somehow he didn't have much luck in the application process and ended up at UMD. He went to UMD for about two years and then quit. He said he needed a rest but I figure he wasn't prepared for the USMLE Part 1 or even flunk it. who knows...... but bottom line, I met him working part-time at Kinko's... he helps people photocopy fulltime now........ well.. i guess i don't really have a point.... but it's just a story of someone i know.

 

[Mr. Rosewater]

i reccomend you delete this thread b4 someone from UMd reads it, figures out your identity and revokes your acceptance.

 

[bigbaubdi]

Originally posted by MtsByondMts
I was really disappointed in my score on the August MCAT (28) as I graduated summa cum laude from an Ivy as a double major, unique ECs, etc. etc. etc.. I really had my hopes set on going to one of the top med schools, but so far I've only gotten into my state school (UMd). Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I know UMd is a great school, but I really wanted to go to med school somewhere new and exciting. Would it be absolutely ridiculous to turn down UMd, take the MCAT again, and reapply next year? Can a 30+ MCAT make that much of a difference to the really competitive schools? I honestly don't see how I can improve my application (I'd rather not discuss the specifics of my ECs or other qualifications). The only thing that might help is that I'm the first author on a paper that will in all likelihood be published in the upcoming year. Thanks in advance for your advice!

You are probably going to get flamed for this post...so be prepared.

Regarding your MCAT score, what makes you think that you are guaranteed a 30+ score if you take it again? How have you done on your practice exams?

UMD is one of the best state schools out there. If you wanted to go somewhere new and exciting, then why did you even apply to UMD?

 

[WatchingWaiting]

I feel your pain. Yes, your application would definitely be stronger if you had gotten a better score on the MCAT. A 28 is on the lower cusp of scores for a non-URM to get in at any allopathic school-- your gpa and activities are, no doubt, good. Based on your MCAT though, you should probably be happy that you got in anywhere allopathic. If you do well in med school and on the USMLE, you will certainly have opportunities to get back on the prestige track in residency.

Also, you need to ask yourself-- "What makes me think my score will go up if I retake?" Was there some specific set of circumstances that made your score lower the first time? Or were you consistenly polling in the high 20s on sample exams? If you do retake, the way to do it would be to sit on the U-MD acceptance, take the April MCAT, wait for your scores in June. If a big improvement, think about the re-ap. If not, then just accept U-MD and move on. You will have to explain why you didn't go to U-MD though, and this will be a negative.

 

[Downhill Racer]

I'd investigate U MD further. From my impression they match extremely well and have an excellent clinical training. I am out of state but strongly considered U MD but didnt apply and kinda regret it. At the end of the day you have to find the right situation for your medical experience, if it isnt at Maryland then you should reapply.

Good Luck!

 

[jlee9531]

go to UMd fool.

risk reapplication even when you have an acceptance? what are you gonna tell the schools the next app cycle even if you do score 30+?

"oh UMd sucks, so instead of being happy that i was accepted to a med school, in which around 50% of all medical school applicants dont even get in anywhere, i decided not to go and try my luck elsewhere."

and what guarantees that the top schools will look at your file even if you get a 30+?

whatevs...

 

[Sharkfan]

I have heard that you can get blacklisted if you get accepted, decline all offers, then reapply. Don't know if it is true or not, but wouldn't doubt it AND think it is definitely something to consider before you (in my opinion) give everything up and set yourself back a year.

 

[NE_Cornhusker1]

if you didn't want to go to umd then why did you apply? i realize you're probably a studentlawyers.com troll but if you'd actually pull this stunt i'd guarantee it will be the last acceptence you'd ever have as you'd get blacklisted [yes they exist].

 

[Integra96]

If you're for real, go to UMd, asshat! 😀

 

[bullhorn]

According to the rules of 'engagement' in regards to applying to medical school, it is suggested to NOT apply to a school you would not be willing to accept an offer if it is the only school you get into. I, too, have heard the rumors of being blacklisted. Schools apparently get a list of who has been accepted....I believe May 15th to know if they are holding multiple acceptances. BUT it is less likely for schools to know if your only acceptance is from an osteopathic school.

I would just go to UMD rather than redo the entire process to perhaps maybe go to a better school. Remember there are no guarantees. You should feel lucky you have gotten in somewhere.

 

[markus21]

I just wonder what makes you NOT want to go to UMD. I think it's a great medical school. They have great facility. It's close to the Inner Harbor and it's not THAT dangerous for a school close to the city. People normally like to stay close to their home and you get to pay in-state tuition. And if you go to UMD Med, you have a good chance of getting into a residency program at JHU. After all, it's not what med school you go to, it's what residency program you get into. Kick some ass at UMD and you will end up in Top Residency Programs.

 

[exmike]

are you smoking crack?

There isn't even any gaurantee you'll get a better score the second time!

You want a change of location? If you "supposedly" went to an "ivy" then you've been out of baltimore for at least the last four years, so wouldnt baltimore be a change of location??

 

[jennie 21]

I'm just going to second what everyone else has said.

1)There's no guarantee you'd score better on the MCAT next time.

2)Even if you did, there's no guarantee you'd get into a better school because of it.

3)The fact that you had an acceptance and turned it down to reapply may prevent you from getting in ANYWHERE. Med schools really don't like it when you do this. At the very least, it will hurt your application and be a mark against you; at most, you might end up not getting in anywhere.

Don't do it. You need to get over the prestige thing and realize that any allopathic med school is a good school, and any will help you realize your dream of becoming a doctor. It doesn't really matter where you go to med school; it matters how you do once you're there. Go to UMD, be happy, and do your best. You'll be fine.

 

[Mr. Rosewater]

Originally posted by exmike
are you smoking crack?

😀