What schools would I be competitive at?

[Epidemic]

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Hi,

I actually got into Albany Medical College this year. I applied for a one year deferral, but my request was denied. As a result I may have to withdraw and apply again this year.

When I initially applied, I only applied to Albany and Wayne State. If I have to apply again, what schools should I apply to? Where would I be competitive, and what schools should I try anyways as not-so-long shots? Oh yeah, I'm Canadian.

Stats:
-Hon BSc in Microbiology (U of Toronto)
-Undergrad GPA 3.48 (4 years of undergrad all just below 3.50, then one extra undergrad year at 3.80)

-Masters of Health Science in Epidemiology and Community Health (U of Toronto)
-Grad GPA 3.80

-MCAT: verbal 11, phys sci 10, bio sci 13, writing M

-1 publication in Emerging Infectious Diseases
-2 submitted for publication to other infectious disease related journals

-Certified palliative care volunteer for 5 years
-Lots of leadership (student government, residence assistant, etc.0
-excellent reference letters

Thanks for your help!

 

[bigdan]

MCAT score?

 

[Celestron2000]

Check out the following website:
School competativeness calculator
I wouldn't take the results too seriously, and a few schools are missing, but it is interesting and should give you a general idea. 👍

 

[Epidemic]

Thanks...didn't realize I forgot to put my MCATs:

Verbal 11, Physical Science 10, Biology 13, Writing Sample M

 

[Luck]

Why are you withdrawing? Unless you have a good reason, I would go to Albany. You may be looked down upon if you apply again after being accepted.

 

[Medikit]

 

[Mirror Form]

Why are you withdrawing? Unless you have a good reason, I would go to Albany. You may be looked down upon if you apply again after being accepted.

Yeah I agree. Why do you feel the need to take the year off at the expense of turning down a medical school acceptance? You can always take a year off b/w your 2nd and 3rd years of medical school, or b/w your 3rd and 4th years, as some of my friends have done.

 

[Maple]

Turning down a med school acceptance is not a wise idea. Doesn't reflect well on your application(or reapplication) unless you have a credible reason for withdrawing your file.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Yeah, what's wrong with Albany, you should be glad they took ya!

 

[babyface]

One of my friends actually did exactly the same thing. He got into Albany last year, the only school that he got into. But at the interview and subsequent visits, he realized that he really doesn't want to live in Albany for 4 years...and I can't blame him. So he withdrew the acceptance and reapplied this cycle. He actually was a lot more successful this time around, and has gotten into several schools where he'd be infinitely happier (I think he might have gotten into Dartmouth, forgot). Anyways, my point: if you really think that you are not going to be happy at Albany, don't go. Med school is stressful enough to have to worry about living in a place that you don't want to be. Trust me, you'll be happier that way. And if you have good enough of a reason, it won't impact your next cycle that much, as proven by my friend. Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[Epidemic]

Hi!

I guess I should elaborate. Nothing is wrong with Albany - actually, I really liked the school when I visited and have been really excited about the thought of going. There are, however, several factors which are making me consider withdrawing and reapplying.

The most important factor is that I don't know that I can afford it right now. I'm Canadian so I'm not eligible for many loans (Stafford, etc.). Private loans are an option, but I'd need to loan the maximum (45K) each year and get a bank loan on top of that for my living expenses, and I already have a 20K debt from undergrad. Even if my parents are allowed to cosign for that much (not a sure thing since they already cosigned a contract to help my cousins buy a house), the annual sum of the monthly payments I would have to make during residency would almost be equal to my salary as a resident if I amortize the private loan over 20 years.

Another factor is that I just got engaged and I imagine the whole planning thing will be stressfull too! But I'm so happy!

Anyhow, I got offered a research position that would pay me enough to cover my living expenses for the 4 years of med school, or one year's tuition and that would make going to med school much more feasible for me.

So those are the reasons I'm considering withdrawing and reapplying.

 

[Celestron2000]

If you like Albany, maybe you can just defer for a year, so as not to risk not getting in again...

 

[gujuDoc]

Celestron,

The original poster already stated that ALBANY WOULD NOT LET HIM DEFER.


To the person that asked for the MCAT scores, it was already up there in the original post.

But now to get to topic. I don't know if I would risk reapplying again because what happens if you don't get in again so easily?? I would do my best to find loans and whatever. But if you feel it is really what you need to do, then I recommend you buy an MSAR copy from the AAMC website. It has all the info you need.

 

[Epidemic]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I really appreciate your help and opinions. It's a tough choice to risk it and go year by year hoping the finances hold-up, or to try reapplying again. Hopefully it'll work out and I'll see the rest of the Albany class of 2008 in August!

 

[gschl1234]

The most important factor is that I don't know that I can afford it right now.

Even if my parents are allowed to cosign for that much (not a sure thing since they already cosigned a contract to help my cousins buy a house), the annual sum of the monthly payments I would have to make during residency would almost be equal to my salary as a resident if I amortize the private loan over 20 years.

Another factor is that I just got engaged and I imagine the whole planning thing will be stressfull too! But I'm so happy!

Here's a thought. What is your fiancee's earning potential? It may be possible for the two of you to survive through residency if your spouse makes enough money to cover living expenses and your salary can go directly to paying back debt. It's not an ideal situation but I think that's what many couples have to do.

Another thing is that many people on SDN say that applying again may be the kiss of death but I'm not sure whether they've actually gone through the experience themselves. I certainly have not so I cannot say whether it would refelct badly on you. I would suspect that interviewers would ask why you turned down an offer and whether you'd turn down an offer from them. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Keberson]

I think you can do it. You're stats look good. Do what's best for your financial and romantic 🙂 situation