what do med schools think of reapplicants?

[uclakid]

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Hello. I have two questions:


1. Are you negatively viewed if you are applying for the second time to some school (just for being a reapplicant)?

2. There are some med schools (like albert einstein) that don't even allow second-time applicants to apply! What other schools follow the same rule?

 

[gaf]

1. I don't think so. I was waitlisted & rejected one year and accepted the next.

 

[RachMD2B]

I actually think the opposite is true...I think they like re-applicants because they show determination, motivation and a passion for medicine. I applied a few years ago and only got one interview. This time around I had 12 (I did some graduate work and re-took the MCAT in between). In each interview I brought up the fact that I was a re-applicant (I know some may advise against this, but the ADCOMS already know anyways!) and I had great interviews!! I think the people interviewing really liked that I could be honest about my application experiences and they could tell I was really motivated! They are looking for people who are sincere and I think they know that if you are willing to go through this horrible process again, it is what you REALLY want!!

 

[RachMD2B]

I forgot to answer your #2! I cant think of any schools that do not accept re-applicants. I know that Minnesota only lets you apply twice. But thats the only one I can think of off the top of my head. Most schools like to see some change in your application that really show your determination (i.e. more coursework, increased MCAT score, more EC's, Volunteer work, etc). When I interviewed at The University of Wisconsin, I met someone who had interviewed there 4 times! Now that would suck!!

 

[bradwilkins]

I agree with all of the above posters. I was waitlisted and rejected last year and was accepted this year. I think the adcoms like the fact that you didn't give up. Just know why you didn't get in the prior year and make sure you do something to improve your app for the next year (i.e. research, post bacc. improved MCAT, & etc.) GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dnelsen]

I agree with the statement that being a re-applicant shows you are really determined and committed to being a doctor. However, most schools do want to see a significantly different application from the previous year. If you get rejected from a school, you can usually meet with someone on the adcom and find out how to strengthen your application.

I got really scared when I went to the open house for the University of Minnesota. There was a student pannel that was doing Q&A and I think only about 1 of 7 got in on their first try. I've heard that traditional applicants are more likely to get rejected on their first application when compared to non-trads. I think this is because non-trads have never been out "in the real world" and the adcoms aren't sure if they really want to be a doctor or not.

 

[redstar18]

1. Ditto to what the other posters have said. Re-applying doesn't seem to be a disadvantage (unless your second application doesn't show any improvement from your first one).

2. I believe Einstein does let applicants apply for a second time but not a third time. A few other schools discourage a third application too. (UCLA comes to mind..)