What do you do while waiting to reapply?

[DaymanNightman]

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I know it sounds really strange the way I ask this question, but I need to know because I know there is a good (more like guaranteed) chance I may be rejected from DO or MD schools. My parents and I are really hoping that I do end up going into a med school one shot (rofl that is a joke) but I know I also have to have backup plan in the event that I do get rejected; my initial idea was that if I do not go to med school, I go to grad school to get my masters in astrophysics or biophysics and become either a astrophysicist or medical physicist. However, I really am determined to go to med school so I was thinking about holding down a job until I get into a school or join the Air Force as an officer and reapply when I go into reserves (this is "plan c"). Reapplicants, what did you guys do when you were first rejected after graduating from undergrad schools while waiting to reapply? Also, should I go along with this plan that I have or should I make some revisions?

Edit: By the way, if you had chosen "other" in the poll, could you also explain what your option is? Thanks!

 

[cabinbuilder]

Get a job, take a break, bank your money. Make sure your credit is good. Rest. Take a vacation.

 

[DaymanNightman]

Another quick question, if I do end up deciding to go to Grad school, does that practically make my decision to go to med school kaput? I've been told by some individuals that there is a possibility to get your masters and go to med school after.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Another quick question, if I do end up deciding to go to Grad school, does that practically make my decision to go to med school kaput? I've been told by some individuals that there is a possibility to get your masters and go to med school after.

there are lots of students who get their masters first. The only thing is that it looks bad if you bail on the master porgram half way to try to go into medical school. So if you enroll in a masters you would be expected to finish before applying to medical school.

 

[Guero]

there are lots of students who get their masters first. The only thing is that it looks bad if you bail on the master porgram half way to try to go into medical school. So if you enroll in a masters you would be expected to finish before applying to medical school.

In fact, most medical schools require that you finish any program you've started as part of their acceptance offer.

My first cycle, I ended up submitting my AMCAS before taking my MCAT to ensure it was available when my AMCAS was verified, but ended up bombing it like a genuine Stuka (sorry for the German reference). I was already a non-trad applicant and had been working in biomedical research at the same institution since I was a sophomore in college. I think that really, really helped. I was promoted at graduation and again at 2 years post-graduation, reaching the highest level research position one can attain without a doctorate. In addition to the increasing responsibility and exposure to the healthcare setting, I garnered stellar LORs from high ranking faculty and landed coauthorship and lead authorship on manuscripts. It also afforded me opportunities to network and join academic and health-related volunteer organizations. I highly recommend you do something similar unless your undergrad grades are severely lacking. Matriculants that pursue masters are generally in need of a GPA boost.

If you're genuinely interested in the military, wait until you reapply. There's a scholarship program known as the HPSP that will cover all of your tuition, fees, books, and expenses plus a $2000 monthly stipend and a $20,000 sign-on bonus in exchange for 4 years of service as an officer physician after completing residency. I'm currently applying for that, too.

If you don't mind, would you share your stats? That'd help us better address any weaknesses you may have. Feel free to PM me with more questions.

Cheers,

G